Build yourself a brighter future in Early Years

It can be daunting to take the plunge into a new career – especially if you’re not entirely sure what to expect. But if you’re looking for something that’s rewarding, good fun, and has the potential to change lives, then Early Years could be a great career move for you. 

Start Here – Access to Early Education and Childcare Go Anywhere – David Hardie, Early Years Practitioner at Dundonald Nursery

“I was managing a Virgin MegaStore, when my first son was born.  The chance to change career came along when Virgin were closing down, and I saw this as an opportunity to go and get the career that I wanted.That’s when I first thought of working in Early Years, so I went to study HNC Early Years at the Ayr campus.

"After finishing college, I worked at a private nursery in Prestwick, and left there to work as a supply Early Years Practitioner for various different schools, before I came to Dundonald Nursery four years ago.

"There’s no average day working in Early Years, every day is different! We try to allow things to be child-led, letting them choose what they’d like to do. We have our outdoor policy, where the door is always open. I’d say more than half of the children want to be outside at any one time.  We are out in all weathers and the children really enjoy it.

As far as jobs go, it’s a lot of fun. Spending time with the children is brilliant. One of the more rewarding aspects of the job, is getting to see the progression that they are making. The fact that the staff in the nursery are helping them to get there, I don’t think there’s many jobs like it. It’s also good to see the children progress on to primary school, and it’s nice being able to keep up with how they are doing at the school too.

There’s a lot of paperwork involved with the job, which I don’t think people realise. However, I enjoy coming to work, and I’m glad that I can say that. We have a fantastic team here, and we all work together really well.

For someone that is thinking of working in Early Years, I’d say go for it. Personally, I love my job. I’ve not looked back, it’s definitely the best thing I ever did.”

Applications for Early Years courses are open now.