Patrick – wraparound coordinator
Tell us a bit about your background
What did you do before you started to work in wraparound childcare?
I was working as a fitness instructor while studying for a level 3 personal trainer qualification. However, I had a moment of inspiration when I thought, instead of teaching adults to get fit and healthy, I could teach children to help them grow into healthy adults!
What inspired you to join the wraparound childcare sector?
I saw an advert at a back-to-work scheme event for an apprenticeship position and haven’t looked back since. When I completed my own apprenticeship, I furthered my experience by working on a kickstart programme which involved interviewing, training and supporting new apprentices.
Being sporty comes naturally to me so I saw early years childcare as an opportunity to motivate children to become healthy through sports activities.
I love that no day is the same!
A day in the life
A normal day for me starts with getting up at 6.30am and heading to breakfast club.
The children arrive and we feed them breakfast and then play board games, do arts and crafts or some light physical activities.
I return home and turn my laptop to work on my apprentice role with the company.
I support other apprentices with their coursework or help with planning activities.
In the afternoon, I am back out to run the after-school club.
The afternoon session involves providing the children with a small meal and then it’s time for activities.
I look for ways to incorporate healthy learning such as making fruit smoothies together or playing fruit bingo.
What’s your favourite part of the day, working with children?
There’s nothing like the feeling of seeing the children being happy to see me! Having a good bond with all the children and seeing them happy makes my day.
How do you feel you’re making a difference?
I feel I make a difference by relating to the children and tapping into what they need from me to help support them. Making their time in our provision fun and safe is the most important thing for me.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I love that no day is the same! Every day is different with the freedom to change up the activities we do. The most enjoyable thing for me is that I learn something new every day too.
What’s your career highlight so far?
My highlight is the career progression I have achieved. I now have my level 3 qualification in education and teaching. I’ve worked my way up from completing my apprentice within the company to activity leader, to then being a wraparound setting manager.
Do you feel like you are part of a supportive team?
My team is my extended family. We share ideas. We motivate each other and bounce off each other. We work like a big family.
I have support from all different positions around me, whether it’s from operations, marketing or recruitment. I know who I can go to for support and guidance.
Career tips
Why would you recommend others join the sector?
It’s a fun sector to be in. Seeing the children smile motivates you every day! Plus it feels good knowing you are helping guide the children’s futures.
What advice would you have for anyone wanting to work in wraparound childcare?
Go for it. You will enjoy it, and it will keep you young at heart. You can be professional whilst being fun and flexible.
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