Archive

People in social care talk about the reality of their role

Mary Whitehouse is an early years transitional worker for Sure Start Kingstanding in Birmingham.

Job description: To support children and their families who have education or social issues, and to assist with children's integration into school. To develop close working links with primary schools and network with other services to promote multi-agency working. 

Skills/qualifications needed: I have a BTEC national diploma in childhood studies (nursery nursing). I have worked within mainstream and special schools.  My experience involves handling autistic spectrum disorders, attention deficit disorder and  challenging behaviour.

Salary: £13,900 - £17,060

What is your job like? Sure Start supports children up to the age of four. However my job involves working with children aged four to seven, supporting their transition into school and making it as positive and successful as possible.
 
I assess and identify children's needs.  This may be by visiting the child and their family at home. I attend school reviews and can act as advocate if required.

During the last summer holidays, I devised and supervised a play scheme for four to seven year olds. It is now scheduled to run daily every school holiday. I have also set up an after school club focusing on healthy eating. Children are involved in preparing food before eating it.

My work can be varied which makes it more interesting. Often my job requires flexibility so as to support other members of our team.