Aug 18 2011 5:00PM
A mature student who completed a Foundation Degree in Childcare Learning and Development at UCS Bury St Edmunds will be going on to study for a BA (Hons) in September.
Emma Chittock, 44, from Barrow will graduate with an FdA from UCS Bury St Edmunds in September after originally enrolling at West Suffolk College on a Level 2 Certificate in Pre-school Practice in 2005.
Emma, who has three children, enrolled on the course to gain a childcare qualification. She was acting as a voluntary parent helper at Plum Tree Pre-School, Barrow, which became an employed role once she had completed the Level 2.
The pre-school supported her through the Level 3 Diploma and once she had completed this qualification she successfully applied for a teaching assistant post at Plum Tree.
The pre-school then supported Emma’s application to study for the Foundation Degree in Children’s Care Learning and Development with the aim of becoming a primary school teacher. She is now poised to embark upon the BA (Hons) degree at UCS Bury St Edmunds.
Emma said: "If you had said to me in 2004 that in seven years’ time I would have completed a Foundation degree and be about to take on an Honours degree, I would have laughed, loudly!
“It has been hard work, I won't lie, with juggling commitments from family, work and studying, but I am so proud of what I have achieved so far. I do have to thank my tutors for their encouragement and support throughout my time of studying. I have had some major personal issues to cope with and would have given up, but their support helped me to believe I could do it."
Tutor Kim Gobey, who has taught Emma at each level, said: “Emma has worked extremely hard to juggle her studying with work and family.
“At first, she was a little apprehensive and unsure about whether or not she would be able to successfully complete the Level 2. She achieved a Distinction grade and has continued from strength to strength.
“I am delighted that we have been able to provide her with a progression route from Level 2 to a full BA (Hons). This has been a tremendous achievement for her."