Integrated Working with Children & Families BA (Hons) Top-up Degree

Kelly Hunston

After being out of education for 13 years, I enrolled on a part time Foundation degree in Early Years at the university of Worcester, continuing to a BA top up in Integrated Working with Children and Families. I would never have dreamt it possible I could ever achieve this level of education and be studying for a master’s degree at the age of 36 with two primary aged children.

At present I am an MA Social Work student at the University of Worcester. I have been fortunate enough to be awarded the NHS Social Work bursary, therefore I have been able to leave my place of employment and focus solely on my studies. I am looking forward to going out on placement next year to put all my newly learnt skills and knowledge into practice.

I feel taking small steps to build up my qualifications and practice, alongside having a supportive family and tutor allowed me to progress this far. If I can do it anyone can.

Craig Pugh

My name is Craig and I am a former student from Worcester University. I started an Early Years Foundation Degree through Worcester University and completed my degree at Worcester by doing the BA (Hons) Integrated Working with Children & Families.

The Integrated Working with Children & Families course provided me with opportunities to work with staff and students from a variety of professions, which has built my confidence as a practitioner. The staff at Worcester University were very supportive throughout the course. You also get the opportunity to work in a setting to improve your practice and talk to professionals who can help you achieve your ambitions.

Since finishing my course, I studied for an HLTA qualification, then a PGCE and I am now a teacher in an SEN school. I work alongside many professionals and a lot of young people aged 16+ with a variety of different needs. My job is so rewarding and the course at Worcester provided me with the confidence and positive attitude that is needed within my role.

Ewa Kedzior

Ewa said: “I am very proud of myself. The First Class came as a shock. I only expected a pass.”

“I worked full time in a nursery whilst studying for the degree, as well as volunteering with my local Beavers club,” Ewa added. “It was hard especially during lockdown when nurseries stayed open. I studied late at night, or on what was left of my weekends.”

“I knew studying full time while having a young family and working full time would be a challenge but I've never imagined I would be able to achieve a First Class honours. I owe it to the great support of my husband, University friends and tutors.”

Ewa is currently working in a local school, but she has aspirations to become an Early Years teacher one day, “but for now I keep my options open to see where this qualification will take me,” she said.

Although Ewa, who came to the UK from Poland in 2006, has very little by way of free time, she finds time in her busy schedule to volunteer on Saturdays at Worcester’s Polish Saturday School.

“I’ve supported Polish Saturday since 2008,” she said. “We teach Polish language, Polish history and culture to children who are growing up in England.”

Shabnam Iqbal

My name is Shabnam Iqbal and I have been studying this course whilst looking after 3 children and a home as well as attending a placement. I found this course very enjoyable and practical as the assignments are mainly based on reflection of practice based learning activities through lectures and embedding theory to practice practically. The course helps you to gain confidence in working as a professional in any working environment related to children and families. Additionally, the teachers are very helpful and responsive which allows students to feel comfortable and be open about discussing any issues that can have an impact on their learning which helps students to feel calm and focus on their learning goals.

Ahzan Ghalib

I am a former student of University Worcester. I chose to do a BA (Hons) in Integrated Working with Children and Families on a part time basis and continued to work full time as a nursery nurse, alongside being a mother of a toddler and expecting a new baby. Needless to say I found the balance difficult, finding time to fulfil all aspects of my life was extremely challenging and definitely had its array of good and bad days but I managed to do it with the undivided support of my tutor, my peers and my family. I completed my degree with an upper second class degree and the sense of accomplishment and pride most definitely outweighed all of the struggle I had once faced. I stood there at my graduation to an array of applause and realised It was all worth it. If I am able to do it, then anyone can!

Dea McEwan-Hancock

I completed the BA (Hons) in Integrated Working with Children and Families in 2020.

I found the course gave me the confidence to actively engage in multi-disciplinary meetings with professional partners and other agencies.

I learnt the skills needed to lead these meetings in a person centred manner, advocating for those unable to do so, or support them to represent themselves.

The tutors were incredibly supportive, even though this was not a full time course and 2 years later they are at the other end of an email to lend an ear or help with an application.

I am now working as a deputy manager of a residential home for children, earning more than I thought possible and just about to start an MSc in Children's Mental health. I was told at school that I wouldn't even pass an 'O' level, well...I am proof that with hard work and support achieving is possible.

I would highly recommend undertaking the Integrated Working with Children and Families degree, it and the tutors have helped to change my life!

Go for it...shine!