I completed my Level 3 National Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development in June 2012 as a ‘mature student’ and mother of 3 .
During my 2 years as a student in SWC, the Lecturers were extremely supportive and encouraged me to achieve my potential.
I really enjoyed the course and it gave me the confidence and self-belief that I lacked while I was at school, many years previously.
In September 2012, I was fortunate to secure a part-time temporary post in a local primary school for a year, which gave me enough experience to get a job in South West College as a Learning Support Worker, a post which I have held for over 7 years.
During this time I have supported many students and it gives me great joy to see them achieving their qualification and progressing to further or higher education or employment.
Ruth at work as a learning support worker in South West College
The past year has been a challenging one but one which has brought many changes – some positive and some not.
I became registered as a Childminder in December 2019 as this was something I had wanted to do for quite a while.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, my childminding business did not get off the ground so I had to suspend my registration.
Thankfully I have been contacted in recent weeks by 2 families and will hopefully have 4 children starting in February.
I look forward to caring for these children, contributing to their holistic development and providing an enriching learning experience for them.
I will be sad to leave SWC, but it has been a great journey and I feel privileged to have been both a student and an employee of South West College.
Ruth Johnston
Find out more about our Level 3 Childcare course and other Further Education options by registering at our Virtual Open Days in February.