“My experience at Norland so far has been nothing short of amazing” – Ayeisha’s story
Having always been aware of Norland, Ayeisha hadn’t considered nannying until she realised that the one-to-one environment it offered was a perfect fit for her.
In her My Norland Story, third-year student Ayeisha shares how she found her way to Norland, her worries about being accepted onto the course, her favourite elements so far, and her highlights of life in Bath whilst studying.
“My name is Ayeisha, and I am a Set 45 student in my third year at Norland. I am originally from a small village near Bath. Before coming to Norland, I went to sixth form and studied A-Levels in Biology and Psychology, and a Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology.
“When deciding which university to go to, I researched a variety of early years courses. Norland was one that kept popping up. Growing up near Bath, Norland is somewhere I’ve always been aware of but never considered as I was unsure whether I’d meet the entry requirements and be offered a place. Despite this, I still found myself regularly visiting the website and imagining myself at Norland. After some proper research, I soon knew that Norland was the place where I wanted to study. I have always loved working with children and, as I didn’t want to work in a nursery or school setting, working as a nanny seemed like the perfect fit for me. I much prefer the one-to-one environment you get as a nanny. Knowing all this, I applied. I still remember just how excited I was when I received my offer post interview, and just how proud of myself I was.
“My experience at Norland so far has been nothing short of amazing. I have met so many great new people, along with making friends I will have for life. The staff are so supportive and always there to help you. As someone who didn’t do a childcare related course before Norland, I was worried I’d be behind everyone else. I soon realised that Norland are aware of this and really do start with the foundations of early years so nobody is left behind and no one has any advantage over anyone else. You also get to experience so many different things through the wide variety of placements you go on.
“My favourite thing about Norland are the placements. We have so many different opportunities throughout our training – early years settings like nurseries and schools, in the family home and even a hospital placement. Every placement is unique and allows us to put all our hard work to use.
“Family placements have reinforced my desire to be a nanny. Spending time with children and their parents within the home environment is such an amazing opportunity. You form such a special relationship with the children during your time there, as well as getting to see children’s different milestones.
“Even if you don’t have much childcare experience prior to Norland, the placement team are so supportive and always there to help you. Even as a third year, I am still constantly learning while on placement. So, don’t expect to be perfect on your first placement. It is extremely beneficial that we get so much practical experience alongside our academic work, especially as I consider myself to be someone who really thrives in a practical environment. The placements have also helped build my self-confidence. Before Norland I was often scared to ask for help, whereas now I feel I can ask for help whenever I need it.
“One of my highlights of being at Norland is being part of the choir. I joined at the beginning of my second year, and it is so much fun! It has helped me to meet new people from all the sets, and I have loved performing at the Bath Christmas market and at graduation. Choir is a great opportunity to get involved and meet others, regardless of your singing experience – and you don’t need to audition to join. I am also looking forward to the Norland bake off, as it is a great opportunity to show off your baking skills during your final year.
“I am really looking forward to the employment weeks at the end of this year, as this will really help prepare me for my Newly Qualified Nanny (NQN) year in full-time paid employment with a family, which I’m both excited and nervous about. For my NQN year, I would love to do a live-in job as I absolutely adored my residential placement at the end of my second year, and staying with the family really allows you to immerse yourself in the experience and bond with the family.
“Student life in Bath is great, and there really is something for everyone. I love reading, and Bath is full of beautiful bookshops and cafes. I am still able to do everything a regular university student can, and there are always loads of opportunities to go out in Bath. Bath is such a gorgeous city, and not too big either, so you can explore it easily.
“To fund my studies, I have a part-time job at the weekend and I pick up occasional babysitting jobs (they’re always available!) I also get a lot of help from my family, which has been invaluable. Me and my housemates also sometimes cook together, as well as share laundry loads, which helps reduce money on bills as well. Something that helps me with budgeting is meal planning. I will usually make a two-week meal plan before I do a shop, so I know exactly what to get, and it helps me avoid buying food I don’t necessarily need!
“After graduation, I would love to specialise in care for newborns. After my placement on the maternity ward at the Royal United Hospital, I really feel that newborns are the age I would like to work with, as those first few months are so precious and babies develop so much during that time. The training at Norland really has prepared me for my future career. In addition to the academic and practical training, the masterclasses cover everything even from the very basics such as changing nappies to paediatric first aid, self-defence, and conflict resolution.
“My biggest piece of advice for prospective students is to believe in yourself. I always thought I’d never get in, but I’m currently in my third year and I wouldn’t change anything. Norland opens a variety of doors for you after graduation. There is nothing to lose through applying, and so much to potentially gain. It is such an honour to be a part of Norland and its rich history, so take the leap and apply – you never know what it will lead to.”
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