Childcare – Jessica

Since starting college in 2020, Jessica Chesters has advanced from Level 1 all the way through to Level 3 in her childcare course. She is now one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a foster parent. We caught up with Jessica and asked some questions about her career journey.

When did your passion for childcare begin?

“My passion for working with children started in primary school because I always admired my teachers and wanted to be just like them. In ninth grade, I was put into a foster home and have grown up around kids ever since. Instead of being a primary school teacher, I really want to become a foster carer and follow in the footsteps of my foster parents.”

Why did you want to pursue a career in this industry?

“Being raised in foster care has shaped me into who I am today and inspired me to study childcare at college. As I have seen first-hand, there is a shortage of foster carers in the system, meaning children are struggling to get rehomed. For this reason, I believe this job would make a fulfilling career where I will be able to make a difference to the lives of children in care.”

How have we supported you through your course?

“All of the staff have been amazing to me over the years. After failing my GCSE English in school, I was given extra lessons at college, which enabled me to pass the exam. I have also had regular meetings with my career coach, who has been fantastic in helping me explore my options and provided some really useful information and advice.”

What placements have you been involved in?

“I’ve been involved in two placements during my time at college. In my first year, I worked at Kiddiwinks which is a day nursery and preschool based in Dinnington and I am now working at Lime Tree Nursery as part of my Level 3 Childcare course. These placements have given me the opportunity to care for children from different ages, backgrounds, cultures, and disabilities, which has really helped with my development.”

What have you enjoyed most about your course?

“Over my course, I have grown close to Layla who has been my tutor for the last three years. She is really approachable, and I feel that I can open up to her about anything, which is nice. Sam, who is my current tutor, has also been excellent and has been so supportive to me in the short time that I have known him.”

What advice would you give to someone considering this career?

“If you have an interest in working with children, then you should definitely consider applying for a childcare course. I feel as though I have learned a great deal in the time that I have been here and I am more confident as a result. Although it can be challenging at first, you will become more confident with time and learn a lot in the process.”

Where would you like to be in the next 5 years?

“In the next five years, I should hopefully have completed my Level 3 Childcare course and passed my GCSE Maths. By that time, I should be in a better position to start applying for full time education somewhere in the childcare sector. Once I am 25 years old, I will then apply to become a foster parent.”

Find out more about the courses we offer in Early Years and Education.