Alumni Spotlight - Katie Henderson
The current policy from The Scottish Government to increase free early learning and childcare entitlement to all, shows a real commitment towards making Scotland the very best place in which to grow up.
Early Years and Childcare is a growth industry requiring new and talented people to enter the workforce. We offer a range of relevant and registrable qualifications for those wishing to work in this exciting and important sector. This week’s Alumni spotlight shines on Katie, who is now successfully working as the Perth College UHI Nursery Manager after graduating with a range of Early Years qualifications. She chats to us about her time at college, and how she has been finding her new job role.
Can you introduce yourself?
Katie Henderson from Perth.
What course did you study at Perth College UHI, and in what year did you complete your studies?
NC Early Education; HNC Childhood Practice; and BA Child and Youth Studies - with completion in August 2021.
How did you hear about Perth College UHI?
Being from Perth and knowing I wanted to stay local but not sure exactly what area of childcare I wanted to be in.
What were you doing before you came to Perth College UHI?
I was in 6th Year at St Johns Academy.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I knew I wanted to be in childcare, but I was unsure what it entailed. However, as soon as I started, I knew this was the job I wanted to be in to care and support children’s development holistically.
What was your favourite thing about the course?
I loved the journey that I shared with friends that I made from the very start, and all the way through the degree, where we supported each other every day. The lecturers and PATs were so supportive and continue to be supportive on my journey as manager at the Perth College UHI Nursery, where we link up to support future students.
Were there any standout/memorable moments from your course?
My placement brought my training to life and consolidated all the skills I learned to be a great practitioner. My student placement happened to be at Perth College UHI Nursery – I have always imagined myself working here, but as the manager was a dream of mine!
What did you think about the styles of teaching, and the support you received from staff?
The staff support was endless at Perth College UHI, and with the best support to ensure I was a reflective learner and practitioner. On my placement, the staff at Perth College UHI Nursery were so welcoming and were great role models. It is so nice to be back working with the team here.
You are now working as the Perth College UHI Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover), is this your first job since graduating? How are you enjoying it?
Since graduating, I became Room Leader in a 3-5 room in another setting but the opportunity to gain experience as a nursery manager was too good to miss out on. After finishing my HNC Childhood Practice, I worked part-time at Perth College UHI Nursery as an Early Childhood Practitioner while continuing studying through Perth College UHI with my BA Child and Youth Studies degree. I had always loved working with the supportive team at Perth College UHI Nursery who made my student experience and first years of practitioners so fantastic. Learning from such great practitioners allowed me to find the skills to support me through my degree. The staff at Perth College UHI Nursery are so supportive and just as welcoming especially in my new role as their manager, which made it a lot easier to settle back into the fantastic setting.
Do you feel your studies helped you obtain your job? Have you been able to apply the knowledge you learnt in your course to your job?
The course has allowed me to use my skills to the best of my ability especially in the job that I am in with the high responsibility of running Perth College UHI Nursery on a day-to-day basis. Being the manager is so different from being an Early Childhood Practitioner as the day-to-day jobs are so different, but I have felt I have taken the role well and enjoy bringing the team together. I really enjoy having the balance of being a leader and getting to spend time with children from all playrooms.
What is the most rewarding part of working in the Perth College UHI nursery?
The most rewarding thing is that I have such a great relationship with all staff members here - from being student, to practitioner, and now to being manager. Having such a great team to manage makes the job such a fantastic one.
What are your future career plans?
My future plans are to ensure I use my experience to the best of my ability and hopefully find myself managing another nursery permanently. Although, I would love to go back into being an Early Childhood Practitioner if the right job became available as the best part of the job is seeing children grow and develop.
Did you enjoy studying at Perth College UHI? Any highlights?
I enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI as the support is so fantastic and would recommend the Childcare route to anybody interested. I work with other departments including Joinery, Woodwork, Art, and Music to support students in their individual journey and where they support us as a nursery to give children stimulating experiences. I am so happy to be support to two of my staff members to complete their SVQ 3 and have linked with lecturers to ensure this is a great experience for them both. It is great to support them with my own knowledge and I know they will be in great hands with the lecturers in the childcare department at Perth College UHI.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
I think it is the best way to access courses to find out where you want your career to go. With hard work, and the support from staff, you will be left with great skills for the future.
