Thinking about studying Childcare at Coleg Ceredigion?

Meet our friendly and supportive Childcare lecturers and staff, who work together to offer a wide range of courses to help you excel in your career. Take a look!

“My greatest aim is to be a role model who inspires and encourages individuals in education to thrive and reach their full potential. I aspire to have a significant impact on education, motivating fellow educators to support, develop, and contribute to the advancement of the sector. For me, the power of education lies in its ability to provide people with the opportunity to change their lives. By guiding students through their studies and supporting their personal growth, I’ve witnessed how learning can open up new pathways and careers. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see learners gain confidence, develop new skills, and find success in their chosen fields.”

Anna’s background: Anna has worked at Coleg Ceredigion for 10 years and became Curriculum Head of Creative and Applied Industries last year. Anna has been teaching across a range of courses throughout her time at Coleg Ceredigion and has been part of the Teaching and Learning Team. Prior to working at the college , she was employed by Ray Ceredigion, where she worked with children and young people across the county. 

“As a former student who initially felt nervous, I found that the course helps to build both personal and social confidence. The qualification allows you to explore professional practices and various career paths within the childcare sector. It provides hands-on experience while connecting theory with practical application. Past students have gone on to become 1:1 support workers, nursery practitioners, teaching assistants, or have pursued further studies at university.”

Lisa’s Background: Lucy studied childcare at Coleg Ceredigion -then went to gain a degree in Early Years Education and Care and a PGCE in Foundation Years. Lisa worked as a nursery nurse, practitioner in a forest school and as a primary school teacher gaining hands-on experience with babies, toddlers and children. 
 

“I believe that the childcare lecturing post has enabled me to keep up to date with the ever changing perspective and practice in this area and I am determined to upskill myself and share my knowledge with the learners. We are living in challenging times and as child care professionals we have direct influence on shaping young minds. We have a responsibility to ensure our learners have all the tools and knowledge they need to support themselves and those they are working with.

Lucy’s Background: Lucy worked for 25 years as a primary school teacher and joined Coleg Ceredigion for a change of focus. 

“Over the past 18 years, I have had the privilege of working with learners from a wide range of backgrounds, supporting them as they gain skills, confidence, and knowledge. Seeing students develop and flourish, both personally and academically, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Watching them move on to successful careers has continually reinforced my commitment to education and to making a meaningful impact in this field. I feel privileged to guide learners as they build the skills, confidence, and knowledge to succeed in this vital field.

Annwen’s background: Annwen gained an Early Years degree at UWTSD and has  experience in day nursery , caring for children 0-4 and children up to 11 . She has also taught levels 1, 2 and 3 in childcare. 

“The course is literally life changing for many of the learners, and it is a privilege to work with them. As the course progresses, the learners develop and it is a pleasure and privilege to see them grow in confidence, knowledge and understanding. As well as observing the young children make progress, as an assessor, I observe the learners make progress in all areas, becoming part of staff teams, college groups and independent individuals. This qualification can be used as a stepping stone to go onto further courses or as an independent qualification for work within the extraordinary childcare sector, where no two days are the same.”

Janice’s Background: Janicehas  worked as a primary school teacher, headteacher, teacher trainer and school inspector in Wales and abroad. Her special interest is in Early Years. 

“Throughout my career in education, I have seen the importance of the role of teaching and childcare assistants in schools and in pre-school settings. The work of early years practitioners is fundamental at this crucial age. The education and care that children receive affects not only their future educational attainment but also their future health and happiness. It is a privilege to help prepare learners in Coleg Ceredigion to fulfil their potential in thriving in this role.”

Ruth’s Background: Ruth has worked as a foundation phase teacher and is currently the early years ALN lead for Ceredigion supporting children under 5 years of age who have additional learning needs. 

“To me, education is about empowerment. Over the years, I have witnessed first-hand how the right support and guidance can transform lives, open doors to new opportunities, and help individuals progress in their careers. It’s incredibly rewarding to see learners build confidence, achieve their goals, and fulfill their potential. Equally, I take pride in encouraging and supporting staff to grow both professionally and personally.”

Allison’s background: Allison worked at Coleg Ceredigion for over 20 years, and for the past 6 years, has held a management role. Prior to joining Coleg Ceredigion, she worked in an additional needs unit within the county, gaining valuable experience supporting individuals with diverse needs. She’s currently completing a Master’s degree in Education and Leadership, which has further enhanced her leadership skills and knowledge.

“I hope to support our learners to feel passionate about working with children, so they may develop their knowledge and build their confidence in order to inspire children and young people to thrive in their early years.”

Lucy’s background: As well as working at Coleg Ceredigion, Lucy  continues to work as a Helping Hands support at a day nursery, supporting children with Additional Learning Needs, on a one-to-one basis. In the past she has worked with children ranging from babies up to 11 years old, in Primary Schools, at nursery and in holiday and after school clubs.