Level 3 Early years apprentice Review

The role as an apprentice is really beneficial. Over the last year and a half of working within the setting i have learnt so many skills. I have learnt so much about child development, behaviours and psychology. This has helped me support and understand the children within my setting at a deeper level to ensure they make sufficient progress and are supported effectively. Within an apprenticeship you are legally required to spend a minimum of 6 hours a week completing off the job hours whether this is completing online lessons, writing assignments or gaining experience in a situation that is new to you such as spending time in a different age range or setting. Day to day i support children during activities and personal care routines while also embedding new knowledge and vocabulary to support their development within the prime areas of learning.

The programme contains very valuable information and the online lessons and power points are really helpful to gain new knowledge but also to have wider discussions with other apprentices within the programme.

Through this programme i have been working mostly independently. My employers ensure i am able to attend all online lessons and meetings which is helpful however there is inconsistency with how much time out i receive within a week ( as an apprentice you are legally entitled to 6 hours of off the job work a week ). This has meant i have had to complete a lot of assignments at home. My employers are extremely supportive of their staffs mental well being and when i have been extremely stressed or under pressure due to personal issues and the work load they have supported me. I also have had to overly encourage my employers to complete documents and tasks that have been sent to them.

I found that the one file system was fairly confusing and have only just wrapped my head around it after a year or so of using it. I feel that didn't have sufficient support from my tutor ( This includes long waiting or no response to emails and lack of reassurance between review sessions ) which has effected my views and experience with this course. It can also take a long time for feedback on assignments to be received leading to re submissions requests being sent months after completing teh assignment which is not helpful.

Through this qualification i have had to take on a lot of independent study and it has taught me how to read and research along with creating bibliography which is a skill that i will carry through life. The information provided was really helpful however the lack of support and contact has been quite difficult and sometimes frustrating leading me to have to struggle and figure a lot out independently which overall takes more time that could be being used more effectively.

Yes

North Baddesley has a family feel as it is a smaller setting. The facilities are great and the children are truly happy when attending. All the staff work well together and can collaborate effectively to meet the needs of the children. Employers are approachable and will support you if you ask for it.