Lauren Coates, a student from our first ever SCITT cohort, shares her personal experience of training to become a teacher with the CREC Early Years Partnership
If I had to sum up my experience of the SCITT programme, I would say it was very much hands-on. Being in placement each week allowed me to build connections between theory and practice, and develop a better understanding of the profession.
A wide range of sessions covered a lot of practical information on safeguarding, performance management, EYFS planning and assessment sessions, all of which supported mine and the other trainees' understanding and gradually helped us gain confidence as teachers.
I think the theory days were very well delivered and the tutors were all very knowledgeable and helpful. The taught sessions at CREC were linked well with the experience and learning I was gaining through my nursery school placement.
The mock interviews and personal statement support and advice we received were really useful when it came to applying and securing a job. Being given an opportunity to find out what to expect from the actual recruitment process and receiving feedback was a helpful way of preparing for the real job interview.
If you’re thinking about becoming a teacher, my advice to you would be: make sure it’s something you really want to do. You should consider yourself as being organised, reliable, enthusiastic and, most of all, committed. Being a trainee teacher is full time, it means a lot of hard work and long days. But I can assure you, if you’re cut out for it, you will thoroughly enjoy the course, as I did.
It was great to be a part of a close learning community and go on the journey together. I met some very inspiring people, who I think have helped me be the teacher I am today. Listening to different perspectives, stories and seeing theory in practice deepened my passion to teach. I am now loving every minute of being a teacher, my confidence is growing daily and there are always new things to learn! I guess the hard work is all worthwhile in the end.
The course met my expectations and I would definitely recommend the CREC Early Years Partnership SCITT for enabling and equipping me to become a qualified teacher!
Lauren Coates completed her training with CREC Early Years Partnership and became a qualified teacher in July 2016. Following successful interview, she was offered a position at St Thomas Centre Nursery School and has been teaching there since.
The CREC Early Years Partnership (CEYP) SCITT programme offers a one-year full-time school-based route to qualification as a primary or early years teacher with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and postgraduate (PG) accreditation.
If you are thinking about applying to become an early years teacher, sign up to our mailing list and download our brochure for more information about the course -- feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.