What I've learnt during my Early Years course – Ruby and Emily

By studying Early Years at EKC Ashford College, you could build a foundation for your future in a range of areas, including childhood education. 

With practical training, dedicated work placements and a range of activities during the year, you’ll be able to share your knowledge with future generations. 

We spoke to two Early Years students during their classes to see what they have learnt so far, what they enjoy about the course, and what they hope to do after College. 

Ruby Koutikoff, T Level Education and Early Years 

“I think I’ve grown a lot. I came into the course knowing basically nothing. I did some work experience when I was at secondary school, but College has really opened my eyes to new things. 

“I love getting the experience that I need in Early Years settings, on the course. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher of some sort, most likely in a primary school. This course has given me the opportunity to work with children and work on a placement so that I can gain my own experiences.  

“I love my placement. It’s given me loads of opportunities to see what I’ve learned in College and really put that into perspective. I get to choose activities to run and I do themed ones, where the children love to make things. 

“My favourite thing I’ve learned is looking into behaviours. I’ve got to learn the many ways that children learn and all their different behaviours. In work placement, I can now recognise their development and how it’s going. 

“Once I’ve finished College, I hope to either do an apprenticeship or university. After that I’d then love to get into primary teaching. 

“I picked Early Years as I thought this would be a perfect opportunity for me to get into that type of career, and I was right.” 

Emily Archard, T Level Education and Early Years 

“Being at the College gives me the strategies to learn how to work with children in placement. I do like being creative and I like learning to work with children so the course is combining that for me.  

“A lot of people think in Early Years that we only learn about childcare settings, but you also learn a lot of the theory and the reasoning behind ideas, which is really interesting. It’s so importance during the class to take lots of notes. You’ll need all the notes you can get when it comes to the exams. 

“On the course, I’ve learned a lot of behaviour management and strategies, which was my favourite unit. We learned a lot about positive reinforcement, so I try and take that on when I’m in my placement as a way to combat certain behaviours.  

“I really like my placement because I’ve never worked with children before. I haven’t even got any younger brothers, sisters or cousins so I haven’t had those experiences growing up of looking after them.  

“I work with the reception classes, and the staff have been really welcoming and they’re always there if I need anything. If I have to ask any questions, they’re always really supportive. 

“I chose to study Early Years because initially, I had my heart set on working in a primary school, but now I’m thinking that I want to specialise in a different area and become a child speech and language therapist.  

“I’m thinking about going to university when I finish College. From there, I would like to specialise in child speech and language therapy to help me with my goal. 

“My advice to anyone considering Early Years is to just apply and to do it as soon as possible. I really like it and I think other students will as well.” 

Thank you to Ruby and Emily for sharing their experiences, and we can’t wait to see where they go next in their Early Years journeys.  

If you’re inspired by their stories, or want to learn more about careers in this area, explore our Early Years courses and apply today.