130 careers spotlight: Norlander Hannah shares her journey to deputy head of early years
30 October 2023
To mark our 130th anniversary, we are highlighting the diversity of careers available to our qualified graduates.
Hannah (Set 42) graduated as a Norlander in 2022 and is now Deputy Head of Early Years at a school in Bath. We caught up with Hannah to hear more about her career since gaining her professional title.
“My name is Hannah, I am part of Set 42, and Deputy Head of Early Years at a school near Norland in Bath.
“I gained my BA (Hons) in Early Years Development and Learning degree from Norland in 2021, after three wonderful years spent at Norland. Completing my degree training helped me to realise how passionate I truly was about early years education and care.
“Norland taught me the importance of lifelong learning and so I am always taking part in Continuing Professional Development courses, furthering my knowledge, and always encouraging my team to do the same.”
“My Newly Qualified Nanny (NQN) year in paid employment was spent in London as a full-time nanny. My longstanding dream has always been to run a nursery, so I embarked on this as soon as I gained my Norlander status once my NQN year was complete.
“Still in London, I began as Head of Preschool and then transitioned quickly to Deputy Manager at a nursery. I had to make an unexpected move back home to Wiltshire, so needed a new venture closer to home.
“I began working in my current role as Deputy Head of Early Years at a school in Bath in spring 2023. I feel very blessed to work in a truly wonderful setting, with a fantastic team and a very special cohort of children and their families.
“My job completely varies from day to day, and I often rely on elements of my Norland training to complete my different tasks. My role includes supporting my team, leading training and meetings, teaching in the classroom, supporting families, engaging with external agencies to support individual needs, and organising the nursery every day in line with best practice methods. With 40 staff and working with over 200 families, my role is quite unique with a lot of leadership, management and safeguarding responsibilities. I adore the diversity, variety, and fulfilment I get from this position. I truly love my job!
“Always remind yourself why you do what you do – no matter what job, where in the world you are or what you are doing, everything we do as Norlanders is for the child.”
“My Norland training shapes everything I do. The variety, intensity and combination of the degree and diploma training armed me with extensive knowledge, a broad skillset and a strong sense of determination and resilience. Norland taught me to always aim high, to believe in yourself and your potential. I learnt the importance of working hard and the power of determination, patience, and perseverance. Being a Norlander opens so many exciting doors and varied career pathways – there are so many places you can go with the Norland training!
“Norland taught me the importance of lifelong learning and so I am always taking part in Continuing Professional Development courses, furthering my knowledge, and always encouraging my team to do the same. Learning never ends and I find such continued training essential for being a high-quality provider of early years care and education.
“I also think it is hugely important when you finish work, to fully switch off and give yourself time to reset and refresh. Very often, it is tempting to bring work home. Although it is fine on the odd occasion, I find bringing work home regularly decreases my productivity overall, because I have not given myself the chance to stop and unwind. During my busy NQN year, I ensured I had hobbies that focused on wellbeing, including yoga and spin.
“My proudest achievement at Norland was becoming Head of Students and supporting my set through the pandemic. I was thrilled to be voted Valedictorian at my graduation last year. My biggest piece of advice to Norland students in training would be to always believe in yourself, be ambitious and follow your heart. Always remind yourself why you do what you do – no matter what job, where in the world you are or what you are doing, everything we do as Norlanders is for the child.”
