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.

Dale Ramsey

I graduated from the University of Worcester in 2016 after completing a BA (Hons) Integrated Working with Children and Families. The course has been invaluable to me both personally and professionally; the timetable enabled me to carry on working part-time as both Deputy Manager and Nursery Manager during the three years of my degree. In addition to the lecturers’ vast knowledge of the modules on the course, my peers really aided my reflection skills and enabled me to evaluate how to enhance my own practice further. My current role of Operations Manager enables me to be the driving force of quality improvement in a small chain of private day nurseries; I manage a team of managers and ensure that each setting complies with all areas of legislative guidance and continues to provide exemplary care and education to all children and families.

Craig Pugh

My name is Craig Pugh and I am a previous 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 at a setting to improve your practice and talk to professionals who can help you achieve your ambitions.

Since finishing my course, I am now Teaching Assistant within an SEN setting, working towards my HLTA qualification. 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.

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!