"It Turned My Life Around": Education Studies Graduate Lands Role as Early Years Lecturer

Kathryn Betts, who completed a BA (Hons) in Education Studies, is now a Lecturer in Early Years at Stamford College. Before graduating, Kathryn previously studied a Foundation Degree in Childhood Studies at UCP and was also a former Childcare student at Peterborough College.

After completing her GCSEs at Thomas Deacon Academy, Kathryn went to work in a preschool while studying Childcare at Peterborough College. She then progressed to enrol on a Foundation Degree in Childhood Studies at UCP.

Asked why she chose to study at UCP, Kathryn commented, "I was a young mum and staying local was important to me. My course was only one day a week so I only needed to find childcare for one day, making my life so much easier. I never thought it would be possible to go to university in my circumstances."

In September 2022, Kathryn decided to study the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Top-Up) course at UCP to further her studies. "I was particularly interested in the psychology behind the way children learn and their behavioural patterns."

Two months later, she secured a job as a Lecturer at Stamford College, part of Inspire Education Group. Kathryn praises the course, saying, "The knowledge I got from my courses helps me plan my lessons in a way that is more relatable to my students. I learned so much about the psychology of young people, specifically from ages 0-19, so that makes my job a whole lot easier because I understand the science behind it."

She was also grateful for the support she received from the staff at UCP. "I had a lot going on in my personal life but the support I got from everyone was excellent... it turned my life around and without it, I wouldn't have been able to cope."

Coupled with its investment in facilities over recent years, Inspire Education Group (IEG) has gained a reputation as one of the best providers in the region, with some students travelling up to 30 miles each day to secure their place at the prestigious institution.