Work Experience Feedback - Tabi
Work Experience Coordinator's Feedback
Tabitha has long been inspired to work with children, and in September 2022, she began a work experience placement at Begbroke Playgroup. Initially, she was very quiet and reserved, with her lack of self-confidence clearly visible. However, over the past two years, she has made immense progress. As she grew more comfortable in the playgroup setting and developed positive relationships with both the staff and children, her confidence blossomed.
Her work hours gradually increased to 1.5 days per week, and she thrived in the environment, becoming proactive and resourceful. Tabitha regularly shows initiative by asking for tasks, making suggestions for new activities for the children, and adapting her interactions based on each child’s unique needs.
The growth in her social skills has been remarkable. Once hesitant to speak, Tabitha now confidently engages in conversations, even offering opinions and debating them when necessary. She has gained a level of maturity beyond her years, which is reflected in her professional demeanour when working with staff and parents. Her progress deeply impressed Karen, the playgroup manager, and the rest of the team. They have witnessed Tabitha’s positive influence on the children, as well as her increasing confidence in initiating and engaging in conversations, particularly with adults.
The positive experience at Begbroke Playgroup solidified her desire to work in early childhood education. She applied for a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner course at college and passed her interview with flying colours. The college was impressed with her predicted GCSE grades, and if she meets those targets, Tabitha will enrol in the T Level 3 Early Years Practitioner course, moving closer to her dream career in early years education.
Tabi's Experience
I first started at Begbroke Playgroup for work experience in Year 10, spending every Thursday afternoon there. By September 2023, I was going every Thursday afternoon and all day on Fridays. I’ve absolutely loved my time with the children, as they always put a smile on my face.
The playgroup taught me so many valuable skills, not just for life, but for a professional environment too. I developed social skills, patience, leadership, and much more. I encountered various situations, like helping children learn from their mistakes or managing challenging behaviour, which taught me how to handle these moments constructively. I especially enjoyed sharing lunch with them, hearing their funny and imaginative stories—whether true or made up, they always made me laugh.”
During Year 10, I began work experience at Begbroke Playgroup, attending every Thursday afternoon. By September 2023, my commitment expanded to every Thursday afternoon and all day on Fridays. This role quickly became a highlight of my week, as the children’s joy and enthusiasm always brightened my day.
Throughout my time there, I developed a range of valuable skills, both personally and professionally. Working in a dynamic, child-centred environment taught me essential social skills, patience, and leadership. I encountered and navigated a variety of situations, from supporting children in learning from mistakes to managing challenging behaviours in a constructive and compassionate way.
One of my favourite parts of the experience was sharing lunch with the children and listening to their imaginative and humorous stories. Their creativity and openness never failed to make me smile, and these interactions deepened my empathy and communication skills. Overall, my time at Begbroke Playgroup has been profoundly enriching, helping me grow in ways that will benefit my future academic and professional endeavours.
Nursery Manager's Feedback
During her time at Begbroke Playgroup, Tabi made a truly positive impression on our entire team. From the very beginning, she integrated smoothly into our environment, demonstrating a natural ability to connect and collaborate effectively with both staff and children. Her interactions with the children were particularly exceptional—she engaged with each child warmly and attentively, making a genuine effort to understand their needs and interests. As a result, the children looked forward to her visits and responded enthusiastically to her presence, forming a bond with her that enhanced their experience in our setting.
Tabi displayed a keen attentiveness to staff guidance and consistently showed a willingness to learn, adapting effortlessly to our play-based teaching approach. She embraced the philosophy behind this method, showing both creativity and patience in her activities with the children. Over time, we saw her confidence grow, and she quickly became more independent in her role, eventually needing very little guidance from our team.
We are always delighted to welcome work experience students from L.V.S. It was a pleasure to have her with us, and we wish her every success in her future endeavours. We are confident that Tabi will excel in whichever path she chooses and will continue to make a meaningful impact on those around her.
Karen Smale – Nursery Manager