Case Study-Joseph Haynes - Sendis FDY
What we're you doing before special needs?
I was working with autistic children in a play therapist role. I had the intentions of always being a disability paediatric nurse, so I studied Level 3 health and Social at Walsall College, I'm also autistic myself, and went to a special school both primary, secondary, and a bit of sixth form.
Why choose the foundation year?
It gives you the confidence especially if you haven't been in education for a long time, to know what you're doing before you go into the deep end of Level 4,5 and 6.
What are your career ambitions?
I want to work with the civil service especially working as a disability SEN social worker. I have the health and social care background behind me already, however I needed qualifications relating to special needs. I want to improve the system, and change it within
Why choose Wolverhampton University? and What we're you doing before special needs?
I was working with autistic children in a play therapist role. I also helped staff members also understand autism better. I had the intentions of always being a disability paediatric nurse, so I studied Level 3 health and Social at Walsall College, I'm also autistic myself, and went to a special school both primary, secondary, and a bit of sixth form.
Why choose the foundation year?
It gives you the confidence especially if you haven't been in education for a long time, to know what you're doing before you go into the deep end of Level 4,5 and 6.
What are your career ambitions? I want to work with the civil service especially working as a disability SEN social worker. I have the health and social care background behind me already, however I needed qualifications relating to special needs. I want to improve the system, and change it within.
The support I received from tutors has been positive and ongoing. During the pandemic I was worried that I wouldn't be able to support myself through online learning. However, the content available and the extent of resources was great. For me personally the pre-recorded lessons were a turning Point, I was able to pause and make notes. I felt I was able to go at my own pace to comprehend with the modules. Course leaders were also positive and encouraging to my peers at any questions posed to them. This was nice to see as it made tutors relatable to their students and empathic towards them. I felt supported and heard when it came to my communication with the tutors. All my emails are answered, and I felt I was at ease when I needed to ask questions. Tutors have gone above and beyond to support students both academically and personally. The FD has enabled me to link my practice and studies together this has made me and more informed and competent professional. The course it is a commitment to myself to continue with my passion for lifelong learning and working with inspiring children. The course has developed me to have big aspirations and not limit my career options. For this reason, I have decided to continue to complete a top up to level 6. I hope not only to support children but advocate for inclusion, SEN and families. The modules have given me a purposeful outlook on education, children, society and how I play my part to advocate for inclusion in my professional role. I have enjoyed the modules and utilise them in my professional role. I believe this course will enable me to go further in my career and can do the se for my peers. No matter your age or background the course and tutors will support and guide you through whatever your academic goal may be. (Simran Rhoad)
I have developed my knowledge and working practice on safeguarding, inclusion and being able to link my daily working practice in school to theory. After carrying out various research on these fundamental origins, looking back at a variety of situations through the eyes of theorists, teachers and families has given me an unbiased view to learn from. This foundation degree has really opened my eyes to the true challenges of working in partnership with professionals, families, and pupils. I have learned more about the challenges of following legislation, whilst trying to support families and always safeguard the well-being of the child as the priority. This has led to my working practice standards being improved, my self-belief has greatly increased in making better decisions for pupil’s wellbeing and holistic development. I have enjoyed the experience and now have a renewed hunger to continue my academic and personal development. (Joshua Merchant)