News and views

Taking the plunge: Siobhan’s Big Life journey

“I saw a poster advertising apprenticeships, so I thought I’d give it a go, and went ahead and applied.”

I started working for Big Life Nurseries in 2014. When I was dropping a friend’s daughter off at nursery, I saw a poster advertising apprenticeships, so I thought I’d give it a go, and went ahead and applied. The apprenticeship lasted 18 months and gave me lots of valuable experience working with the children we care for.

When I passed the apprenticeship, I took on a full-time role at the nursery as a stay and play worker, but I was also able to help out in the reception classes. With this experience, I decided to apply for a Teaching Assistant (level three) course to give the skills I need to be a Teaching Assistant.

Working at Big Life has provided lots of opportunities. You feel supported in your role and you’re encouraged to develop your skills and knowledge with the variety of training and courses available.

Siobhan McDermott is an Early Years Practitioner at Unity Community Primary School, a school for children aged 4-11, with a focus on communication and enterprise, developed in response to parents and children wanting high-quality education on their doorstep.