Jemima's dream career working with SEND children to become reality after 7 year College journey

Having joined College straight from school, Jemima first studied Health & Social Care before switching to a Level 3 course in Childcare and Education.

She then opted to move on to Higher Education with our University Centre, completing the Foundation Degree in Children’s Development and Learning over two years before progressing on to the one-year BA (Hons) Leading Children’s Development and Learning (Top-Up) Degree.

Her journey on Campus was recognised at our Graduation Ceremony held in the magnificent setting of York Minster in September when she was deservedly presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award for Progression, sponsored by the Skills and Education Group.

It proved an emotional occasion for Jemima who, having first worked voluntarily with SEND children at the age of 13, also found herself having to care for her dad and provide for the family after he fell ill with health issues during her studies.

“It’s amazing to graduate, because I’ve been at York College for seven years, so it’s such a relief to feel like, ‘Oh, my gosh. I’ve done it’,” Jemima declared. “I got a 2:2 and am really happy with myself. 

“I also love the fact that we graduated at York Minster. I even think a lot of people choose York College for that reason! People say “Oooh” when you tell them!

“I was quite worried about where I would go to university, because I didn’t want to move away from York. Then, when I realised I could continue my Higher Education at College, I thought, ‘Of course, I’m going to stay’.

“I already knew everybody here and the environment and it was the only choice I wanted to make.”

Jemima’s passion for working with SEND children is deep rooted as her family runs Dringhouses-based non-profit charity Choose2Youth, which provides special needs support for young people in York and North Yorkshire.

She has volunteered for the organisation since becoming a teenager and was on placement there for two-and-a-half years as part of her studies

Her degree will now enable her to seek a therapy, pastoral or teaching career in the sector and she added: “I love SEND kids and adults – they’re the best and I’ve always known they’re exactly who I wanted to work with.

“It’s what my family have always done and I thought a Health & Social Care course would provide me the foundation for a good starting point and figure out if it was what I wanted to do. It was the best decision I ever made. 

“I absolutely loved it and feel like I know what I’m doing now. The degree course is so varied and there are multiple routes you can go down with it. 

“I’ve been looking into the psychology of education and play therapy and that might be something I look to learn more about next. I just need to get my Maths GCSE, which I’m going to start doing at College. 

“If I can get that, then play therapy is definitely where I’d like to go. If not, then I’d maybe look at a primary school setting, whether that’s in a pastoral role or on the teaching side.”

Jemima will not be short of role models for her new career, having really appreciated the “absolutely amazing” pastoral and teaching support she received at York College, especially when her dad became unwell.

“The tutors are absolutely amazing at College and always go above and beyond,” she said. “Through my family issues, I was given permission to study remotely and online. 

“I also had to work to provide because of my circumstances and they were so understanding and supportive about that. They regularly checked up on my progress – often twice a week – and I couldn’t have asked for more.

“It was a really emotional and tough time. Family always comes first and my living arrangements changed when my dad wasn’t well.

“It took a massive toll but Lyn (Johnston) and Kathy (Butler) - my tutors - were so supportive and gave me the time that I needed. Not being able to come in as much did have its difficulties, but they made sure that I was 100 per cent supported, both personally and with my education.

“Now, I get emotional when I talk about leaving College and I’ll probably miss my tutors the most. I absolutely love them. 

“They are the nicest people and they’re more than your tutors. They make College feel like you’re part of a family. 

“They are so kind, want to know everything about you and help you so much, with your education and personally as well. They also pushed me. They knew that I could do it and now I’ve definitely done it!”

Learn more about our Foundation Degree in Children’s Development and Learning here

Details about the BA (Hons) Leading Children’s Development and Learning Top-Up Degree can be found here

For more information on our full University Centre offering, please click here

You can also find out more about all our courses and meet tutors at our next Open Event on Saturday 23rd November from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Register a place by clicking here