“We switched careers from classroom to Social Care”
During Social Work Week (17th-21st March), we’re celebrating Gemma Clarke and Joanne Maguire, two graduates of UWTSD’s BA Early Years Education and Care: Early Years Practitioner Status who transitioned from primary school Teaching Assistants to making a difference in social care. Now working at Swansea’s Early Help Hubs, they never imagined their degree would open doors beyond the classroom.
Gemma and Joanne worked together in a local primary school, supporting children who had experienced adversity. Although they loved working with children, they wanted to support families as a whole.
When Gemma discovered UWTSD’s flexible Early Years evening degree, she encouraged Joanne to join her. Returning to education was daunting, but the support from lecturers and the ability to study while working made it possible.
“The lecturers were incredible,” Joanne said. “They encouraged us to see how much more we could do with our experience and skills.”
Gemma added, “As mature students with families and jobs – we were worried it would be too much. But looking back now, I’d tell anyone in our position to just go for it. It’s been life-changing.”
Their studies deepened their understanding of child development, especially modules like The First Thousand Days, which highlighted the crucial early years. “Now, I use that knowledge daily when supporting families,” Joanne said.
The course also built their confidence in academic writing and presentations - skills they now rely on when leading parenting groups and writing reports. Gemma said: “Academic writing and presentations were totally outside of my comfort zone. But the degree prepared us to do these things – and to do them with confidence.”
Encouraged by their lecturers, they explored careers beyond education, leading them to Swansea’s Early Help Hubs. Joanne is now a Senior Worker at the Early Years Early Help and Gemma is an Early Help Lead Support Worker, assisting families through initiatives like Flying Start.
“My role involves working alongside families to provide the right support at the right time,” Gemma said. “Recently, a parent told me how small changes we suggested made a big difference in their child’s well-being. It’s a privilege to be part of that journey.”
Joanne believes that the degree has shaped her career. She said, “The degree opened doors and showed us what was possible. The lecturers didn’t just teach us – they supported us every step of the way. They believed in us before we did.”
Gemma added, “My confidence has grown so much. I was ready to go for jobs and interviews, to sell my skills and be proud of what I know. It hasn’t only changed my career, but also how I see things and view myself.”
We are proud to see how degrees are changing the careers and perspectives of graduates like Gemma and Joanne, as well as the difference they are making in their local communities.
UWTSD’s Early Years Education and Care degree doesn’t just prepare students for careers in education - it provides the Early Years Practitioner Status (EYPS) and is recognised by Social Care Wales, making it an excellent route into social care.
If you’d like to follow in Gemma and Joanne’s footsteps, whether full-time or part-time, why not explore our Early Years programmes.
Further Information
Mared Anthony
Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: +447482256996