What made you choose a career in the industry?
When I was in college, I did a health and social care course, which included two-weeks work experience in a special needs school. This was a new experience for me and made me fall in love with SEND.
After the first day of my work experience, I fell in love with the role, working with SEND children and young people. I felt that this could be the career for me, and it felt amazing.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to do a job similar to yours?
It’s a great idea to volunteer to see if it’s something you would like, and feel could be a job for you. This means you can try a role out first without committing. If you wanted to volunteer (external site) there are options at the YMCA either in preschool, breakfast club, afterschool, or my favourite SEND/disability.
What do you love most about your industry?
It’s a fun, rewarding, fulfilling industry. Personally, it gives me such purpose and motivates each and every day.
What training/qualifications do you need to do what you do?
Experience is definitely up there as being valuable; this can be childcare experience or youth work. Specific qualifications in SEND would be great, although there are opportunities to train on the job. I am currently doing a level 2 qualification in SEND and will then do a childcare course.
Why was a local career important to you?
It’s great working locally to give back- to help and support those in my community.
How did you get your job?
I did my two weeks work experience in my first year at college, I then dropped out of college as it wasn’t for me and volunteered in the school where I did the work experience. I applied for a permanent role as a Teaching assistant and worked at the School for 5 years. Whilst working as a Teaching Assistant during the week term time, I was also working as a disability playworker at the YMCA on the weekends and school holidays.
I worked for 2.5 years as a play-worker at the YMCA then a year as a senior play worker, followed by a position as a leader and am now a Senior Disability co-ordinator for Epsom.
I have really valued the career progression available to me.
What does a 9-5 look like for you?
Currently I welcome the children to each session, talking to the parents finding out how their mornings have been. Once the children are in, the children/young people will have a snack. There would be an activity in the morning followed by lunch, then a second activity.
On Tuesday to Friday I plan for the week’s sessions, this involves getting the resources for the activity, buying snacks, booking children on. Checking staff resource. I plan the session around the children’s specific needs.
What do you love most about your job? (One word answer)
Stimulating.
What is the biggest challenge in your role?
Staffing is a big issue, trying to recruit staff to this varied rewarding role. It’s quite niche!
What skills have you gained from your job?
In my current role I am developing my management skills, identifying my management style, creating strong relationships with colleagues, fostering teamwork, and strong communication skills.
Having difficult conversations with young people and parents requires patience, active listening, and empathy.
What skills/traits do you need to do what you do?
Patience, understanding, the ability to remain calm, being fun, passionate and caring.
Is your job rewarding?
Yes, I really love my job. I love coming to work every day.
To find out more about careers at the YMCA https://www.ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk/get-involved/work-for-us/