Helping young lives
When Daisy Barlow began her degree, she had no idea it would lead to a job helping Ukrainian families settle into a new life in Staffordshire.
Her BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies course included several placements, where she supported babies through to Key Stage 1 pupils. “It helped me to become more confident and gave me experience,” she said.
“The placements covered different aspects of early years, including physical development. Being able to then go back to university, discuss it with the lecturers and get feedback, really built my practice.”
Now the University of Staffordshire graduate helps children find school places and assesses their needs as part of her role as a resettlement practitioner. She also works with their wider families, who have arrived through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Invaluable placements
Daisy counts the time she spent on placement as one of her most rewarding experiences on the course. It was an integral part of her studies.
The 26-year-old, who graduated in 2022, said: “I got to put the theories into practice. The placements were for two days a week and the rest of the time was at university.
“In my first year, I did the placement in a nursery setting. In my second and third years, I went into a school. I went from reception up to Year 2. I was supporting the teacher and the activities for children. In reception, it covered things like their motor skills.
“We had the opportunity to work towards becoming a graduate practitioner through the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECDN). You had to meet different competencies and evidence everything you did. You got an extra qualification to take into your future job. It was really useful.”
The course itself also gave Daisy plenty of hands-on and interactive experiences. She added: “It was more personalised. At some universities, classes are much bigger. But you could have proper conversations with the lecturer and other people in your class.”
From Ukraine to Staffordshire
“My degree and the placements gave me all the experience to go into a job. I wouldn’t be doing the job I am today without it,” said Daisy.
She works for Staffordshire County Council, helping with the huge effort to welcome Ukrainian refugees who fled their home country after Russia’s invasion. She currently supports 83 families across Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire Moorlands.
Daisy, who lives in Cheadle, said: “Once they are settled and are able to get a job, the support isn’t as intensive. Some are staying with host families and some have moved into private rentals.
“When we go out and meet the new people, you can see how they are doing. We help them with assessments of their needs and can refer them to other agencies. We help the whole family.
“The children are coming from an area affected by war and need extra mental health support.”
It’s a role where she can make a difference every day. She added: “It’s just so nice to work with families who really need help. I love it.”
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