Here’s what student, Linda Johnson, had to say about the course and why she chose Kingston College:

I chose to study the Foundation Degree (FdA) Early Years as it would lead me to then do my teacher training. I have been working with children for 25 years and decided I would like a bit more of a challenge, responsibility, and money! My work colleague had started her Level 4 and told me she thought I had the knowledge and experience to do it. So, I signed up!

I chose Kingston College as it is where I had done all my previous childcare qualification courses. I did my NNEB back in the 90s, and then my Assessors Award 10 years ago. It was an easy decision to make as it was familiar, easy to get to, and offered an evening course that made it easy for me to work around with a full-time job and family.  

My favourite part of the course is using the deeper level of teaching, along with my years of knowledge, to inform a better understanding of why I work with children and want to make myself and my practice better for the benefit of those children. 

As a mature student, it was daunting going back to college to do a degree but having other students of all ages going through it with you makes it easier. 

It is tough at times, but that's when you can lean on fellow students and seek support from your tutors. The tutors have industry experiences and knowledge. Some have very interesting work histories that often relate to our teaching, so they explain it in real-life terms instead of what could be read from a textbook. 

Along with the teaching from our tutors, we all learn from each other. I have made some great friends, and we all have a similar interest in working with children, and they can relate when you are having a bad day!! I would advise anyone JUST to DO IT!