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The ���Ҵ�ý (UWTSD) is proud to celebrate Charleigh Steel, a recent graduate of the BA Early Years Education and Care degree, who has become the first in her family to attend university.

Charleigh enjoyed school and always did well. She liked the idea of attending university, and after a conversation with her healthcare teacher who she confided in, Charleigh decided to come to UWTSD.

“I chose the Early Years Education and Care course because I liked the idea that the course was vast and could open many doors for me. The opportunity to study many different subjects in an area I was interested in, took the pressure off myself on deciding a set career path at a young age.”

Initially, Charleigh’s main goal was to enjoy the experience and be happy in her studies. However, as her confidence grew, so did her ambition. She said: 

 “Each module pushed me to aim higher for myself. Safeguarding and Outdoor Learning particularly stood out, as well as the invaluable experience I gained during placements.”

During her studies, Charleigh was offered a part-time role at her placement setting, which provided her with hands-on experience beyond her student responsibilities.

“That opportunity gave me a deeper insight into practice, especially safeguarding and working with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). It really built my confidence as a practitioner.”

Despite her success, Charleigh admits the journey wasn’t without its challenges.

“Not believing in myself and putting pressure on my grades was my greatest obstacle, but over time, I’ve grown into a completely different version of myself, both professionally and personally.”

With the support of her tutors, Charleigh adds: 

“This course has massively helped me both professionally and personally! I am a completely different version of myself due to my experiences throughout the last 3 years.”

UWTSD’s Early Years Lecturer Natasha Young said: 

”I remember Charleigh clearly at induction and taught her for her first few modules. She was quiet, nervous and lacking in self-confidence. However, Charleigh quickly settled into university life, excelling at both the practical and academic elements of the programme. Although Charleigh’s success at this level came as no surprise to me, as her lecturer and personal tutor, I had seen something special in Charleigh the first time I met her, I think she surprised herself. She engaged in all aspects of the course, demonstrating that she was a kind, nurturing and knowledgeable individual. Due to Charleigh’s hard work and the innovative nature of the program, she leaves us as a highly skilled and knowledgeable individual with the theoretical underpinnings which will support her in future endeavours.”

Charleigh is now setting her sights on the future with plans to pursue a PGCE and, later, specialise in ALN, SEN teaching, and safeguarding. She encourages others to consider the Early Years Education and Care course at UWTSD:

“I learned so much about myself, what I was interested in, and what I was good at. The course provided me with knowledge and confidence across a variety of subjects, giving me the tools to make an informed career decision, and I had fun!”

For more information about Early Years Education and Care courses at UWTSD, visit: 

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476