Discover the career journey of Senior Early Years Practitioner Angelina, whose studies at the University of the West of Scotland are funded by Kibble.
Kibble opened Puddle Lane children’s nursery for all families in Renfrewshire, Glasgow and beyond. With a 175-year-old history in child development, our commitment to introduce new services led us to expand and offer high quality, affordable childcare to neighbouring families with an exclusive discount to our staff team. Angelina is one of the experienced Senior Early Years Practitioners at Puddle Lane and her commitment to delivering an outstanding childcare service made her a suitable candidate for Kibble’s Further Study Programme. Angelina is now on track to qualify with a BA (Hons) degree in Early Learning and Childcare from the University of the West of Scotland, funded by Kibble.
Angelina is motivated to be the best Senior Early Years Practitioner she can be by the children. Every morning the little ones run inside, excitedly greeting Angelina with echoes of “morning Lena” and immediately start chatting about what activities they’ll get up to that day. Angelina and her colleagues wholeheartedly agree it is a privilege to be part of the children’s lives, and they strive to deliver outstanding childcare.
Puddle Lane is a happy place to spend time and is a standout childcare service. There are indoor open plan playroom and large gardens, a soft play area, and a dedicated lunch room. The nursery operates as a social enterprise and reinvests into the service, ensuring ongoing development.
Angelina decided to apply for Kibble’s Further Study Programme and qualify in Early Learning and Childcare with the University of the West of Scotland alongside her job at Puddle Lane. The decision to move forward with a university degree while working, demonstrates her commitment to shaping an enriching learning environment for those in the important earliest stages of life.
Angelina shares the motivation behind continuing her studies while working as a Senior Early Years Practitioner: “I absolutely love my job at Puddle Lane and the best thing about working in early years is spending time with the children.”
She acknowledges the big responsibility of balancing university and work: “Yes, studying while working is a massive commitment, but I thoroughly enjoy learning. I have always been studious and being able to gain an even greater understanding of childhood is very valuable to me.”
Angelina is beginning to visualise what having the degree will mean to her: “I can bring new learnings straight into my job at the nursery. To officially have a degree and apply my academic knowledge to help children develop and thrive will be so rewarding.”
Angelina is a friendly and familiar face to the children and families of Puddle Lane. Her organisational skills paired with her creative flair leads to big artistic projects for the little ones to get involved in. Previous arts and crafts activities have involved designed a Halloween Haunted House and photo booth as well as building hand-crafted life-size snowmen.
Watch our video of Senior Early Years Practitioner Angelina
Visit Puddle Lane’s website to find out more about the outstanding children’s nursery in Hillington, or head to Kibble’s recruitment website to join a staff team, dedicated to shaping the world in which children grow up.