Zoe Larman
Early Years Education
To find out how Zoe fitted her studies into her day-to-day life, simply click on the arrows below the clock.
- Why did you choose to study in Southend?
- I chose to study in Southend because I was a single mum and I wanted to be close to my one-year-old son. And I chose South East Essex College for two reasons. Firstly, because I had been there before, when I was 16, so it was sort of familiar and two. Secondly, because it had a great nursery, which meant I was only ever a couple of flights of stairs away from my son.
- What course did you study and what have you achieved?
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At South East Essex College I studied on an Access to Teaching course, before heading onto a degree in Early Years Education.
While I was in my third year, I did a placement at a local children’s centre and as a result they offered me part-time work. When I finished my degree, I applied to the same place for full-time work, as a manager! Now I’m truly settled into the role and I have been able to bring in some great new programmes, specifically aimed at helping vulnerable families.
- How did you find returning to the learning environment as a mature student?
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I found heading back to the learning environment tough at first, but everyone at the College was so supportive. When I was struggling, I went to see Student Services and they were brilliant. They liaised with my tutors, who in turn gave me so much support and help.
Once I’d settled, I got to grips with college life really quickly – but I couldn’t have done it without all that support.
- How did studying at South East Essex College fit in with your day-to-day life?
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Studying at South East Essex College fitted in with my day-to-day life perfectly. The on-site nursery, ‘Jungle Cats’, is amazing and gave me the flexibility to study and spend as much time with my son as possible.
A typical day would see me get up early and get myself and my son ready. By 7:30am I would be at the nursery, dropping him off and, once I’d said goodbye, I could start studying. I’d do my morning lectures and then at lunch I could get some shopping done in town.
In the afternoon, I’d sometimes have a lecture. If I didn’t, then I would head to the library and squeeze in a bit more study. Because the nursery was so flexible, it meant I didn’t have to rush back straight away – it gave me some breathing space. Then, of an evening, I would be able to hit the books again once my son was tucked up in bed.
Degrees are so flexible nowadays – if they weren’t, I’d have never been able to study whilst my son was so young.
- What would you say to other people interested in returning to their studies in Southend?
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If you’re thinking of learning something new, I’d thoroughly recommend South East Essex College. It’s ideal for people with young kids as the nursery is fantastic.
They were brilliant with my son and I know I couldn’t have achieved so much without them. Knowing he was so well cared for meant that I could relax and concentrate on getting the qualifications I needed for the future.
