Early Years take over Queenborough Primary School

Early Years learners took charge of the classroom during recent ‘Takeover Days’ at Queenborough Primary School.  

Over two action-packed days, students planned, created and led activities for the children, as they got hands-on experience in Early Years education and a deeper understanding of their future careers. 

Arriving at Queenborough Primary School in the morning, the Early Years students quickly got to work, setting up for lunches and tidying the classrooms in preparation for the children’s arrival.  

Once the children had settled in, the learners took the lead in providing engaging activities that encouraged learning in fun ways. This included interactive games and painting, which were a hit with the children. 

For many of our students, it was their first time working with young children, and they shadowed more experienced peers to build their confidence. Over the course of the day, they gradually got involved and contributed fully to the classroom environment. 

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner student, Crystal, appreciated just how involved they could get in the takeover day, saying: “I loved every second of the experience. I worked closely with a child who has a learning disability and he came and sat with me throughout story time. Before starting to look into childcare I wanted to become a SENCO, so it’s good to know that I have the skills for this.” 

The Takeover Days were organised with the help of Katie Chambers, Early Years Lecturer at EKC Sheppey College. She was very impressed with how the College’s students worked well in situations and came together as a team and is hoping to make this an annual event. 

She said: “This is a new initiative for us at the start of the year and provides students with a unique opportunity to see what their future career could entail. For some, this day has helped solidify their decision to pursue a future in Early Years. 

“The course requires a mandatory 200+ hours of work experience, so it’s been nice for them to get some hours in this early into the year, and to see what support they may need to become ready to commit to the field. We’re hoping to make this an annual event based of the success we’ve seen in both the learners and the children.” 

Students have come away from the day with greater confidence and a clearer sense of direction for their future careers. Level 2 student Labibah said: “It was great to see what I would have to do if I worked in a school and the day has helped me ensure that I’m doing the right course for me. Playing with toys, doing puzzles and reading stories to the reception classes has been a lot of fun. I can’t wait for future work placement where I’ll be doing similar things.” 

These aspiring educators are now looking forward to new opportunities over the next few months, with work placements, trips and guest speakers helping them develop their full potential. 

If you’re interested in a career in the Early Years and want to find out more, explore our Education and Early Years courses.