Passion for Children’s Advocacy Leads Graduate to Top Honours in Teaching Degree
Graduation day is always a momentous occasion, but for Lauren Ridings, it marks an exceptional milestone in her journey to becoming a teacher and children’s advocate.
Not only has she graduated from the ĂÜĚŇ´«Ă˝ (UWTSD) with a 1st Class Honours in the BA Primary Education, but she has also been honoured with the prestigious BA Primary Education Award, recognising her outstanding academic achievements and unwavering dedication.
A mature student from Swansea, Lauren was nominated by her lecturers for her exemplary commitment to learning and development throughout the three-year degree programme. She achieved first-class marks in all 14 of her assignments and was praised for her active and thoughtful contributions during lectures, which helped enrich the learning experience of her peers.
Lecturer Jessica Roberts says: “Lauren has demonstrated a deeply dedicated approach to her BA course and always appreciated the advice, support and professional development she received. I am proud to have been her personal tutor for 3 years and delighted to witness her outstanding achievements”.
Lauren’s journey into teaching followed a career in healthcare, where she worked as an Occupational Therapy Technician within the NHS. Inspired by her passion for children’s advocacy—especially for those with additional learning needs—she made the bold decision to retrain as a teacher. UWTSD was her first choice, drawn by its strong reputation in education and the appeal of the Carmarthen campus.
Lauren said: “I’ve always wanted to advocate for children, particularly those with additional learning needs. This course provided the perfect foundation to support that ambition.
“My aim was to gain a deeper understanding of the Curriculum for Wales and educational policies, so I could be a strong advocate and voice for children throughout my teaching career. My ambition is to become an Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo) and ensure that all children have equal opportunities to succeed”.
A defining moment during her studies came when Lauren was selected for the university’s first Additional Learning Needs (ALN)-specific teaching placement. She spent her final teaching placement in a specialist teaching facility within a primary school in Wales, an experience she describes as “invaluable” and perfectly aligned with her professional goals.
Lauren now teaches at a secondary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU), where she continues her mission to support and champion learners who need it most.
Despite facing personal challenges during her studies, Lauren credits the unwavering support of her tutors—Jessica Roberts, Laura Emanuel, and Fiona Jones—for her success. “They were always just a call or message away. Their encouragement made me feel seen, understood, and supported every step of the way,” she said.
“The support from lecturers and tutors is second to none. They’ve had a lasting impact on both my personal and professional journey. The campus is beautiful, the modules are insightful, and the opportunities I’ve had have helped me grow in so many ways.”
Looking ahead, Lauren aspires to become an Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo) and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. She reflects, “The BAEd has helped me understand what it truly means to be a teacher in Wales. It’s shaped my philosophy, helped me discover the kind of teacher I want to be—and more than anything, it’s helped me understand myself and my values.”
Further Information
Eleri Beynon
Head
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: e.beynon@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 01267 676790