Sophie Beer

BA (Honours) Early Childhood Studies

`During my first and second years I was based in a sure start centre with children in the two to three age group. This setting was integral to my development as a sensitive and competent early year’s practitioner. During this placement I had the opportunity to develop professional relationships with practitioners, outside agencies and the families who accessed the centre. I had a role within parental partnerships, feeding information about children’s development and wellbeing between families and practitioners.

`I experienced multi-professional planning and the implementation of government policy into practice. I had an active role in outdoor play and the planning of provision for a rich outdoor experience, as well as having a role in meal times and word and number schemes. I had the chance to conduct individual and group tasks with children of varying ages and make developmental records about children’s progress and plan experiences to enhance their future learning.

`I worked closely with a child with special educational needs, planning and implementing activities for her and working closely with her parents and the adults who provided her with additional support. For example I was also able to attend sessions with outside agencies such as speech and language therapy. I have also had experience through this setting of working with vulnerable children and have had to take an active safeguarding role to ensure their wellbeing.

`My final year placement was with the reception class of a primary school. In this placement I worked closely with a teacher, the leader of the foundation stage, teaching assistants and an early years professional. This experience provided me with the knowledge and understanding of planning and evaluating learning experiences using the EYFS in a school environment.

`As my final year project focused on collecting data it was integral for me to form close and trusting relationships with my supervisors in order to be able to undertake research on their views and feelings about their teaching. This placement gave me a vital insight into teaching and working closely with teachers, in particular, the planning and personal and professional development that goes into quality teaching.

`My experience of placement is entirely positive. I have had two strong and supportive placements where I was mentored by experienced and knowledgeable professionals who allowed me to grow in confidence and expertise in the field. They allowed me the freedom and independence to become a member of staff, working closely with children and families, and supported me as I became more competent in using the EYFS and the planning and evaluative systems each placement used for the implementation of a quality and successful curriculum.

`I enjoyed some strong and close professional relationships with my mentors and colleagues and received support through their knowledge and experiences which benefitted me in all areas of my degree.
 
 `I was later contacted by one of my placements about a suitable role that had arisen that they felt I could fulfil, it was with regret I was unable to accept it due to having already accepted a position elsewhere.'