Outside Visitors to Childcare

Paediatric Nurse, Gaby Welch visited the Childcare Department on 17th January – she qualified as a nurse a year ago and came to talk to the Year 13 Child Care and Education Class, three of whom are interested in paediatric nursing. She talked us through applying for courses, her training, exams and every day experiences on a children’s ward in a busy London hospital.  Gaby told us how she had recently resuscitated a three week old baby in the back of an ambulance!

On Tuesday 21st Feburary, Year 13 Childcare students had mock university interviews with Mrs Claire Stalder. Claire worked for 23  years at John Lewis and has had considerable experience in coaching employees and interviewing. Students were given useful advice about body language, preparing for interviews and answering the questions! Anika Mahroof, Year 13, said, “I found this so useful in helping me prepare for university interviews. Claire gave me really good advice, such as showing us how to be confident through our body language and posture.”

On February 24th, Nikki Carter, a Deputy sister at Stoke Mandeville NICU and mother of a 29 weeker, came to talk to Year 11. The class learned about working in a NICU, the problems that preterm babies face and the equipment that helps keep them alive. Year 11 student, Roha Karim said, “The visit from the NICU nurse was extremely interesting. I think it was useful in helping us understand the topic much more. Nikki shared with  us real life examples which allowed us to see the positive impact her job has on the lives of premature babies and was extremely inspiring.”

In a recent Child Development lesson, Mrs Chenery the Head of Drama, came in to discuss her pregnancy. At the time she was 36 weeks pregnant. Mrs Chenery discussed her birth plan with the students and showed them what was in her labour bag. This was particularly useful as it showed preparation for hospital in a real life scenario. This way of revising for the examination was interesting and funny.

On 7th March, Mrs Messenger visited with her 15 week old baby, Ava. she was asked questions about post-natal care and the role of the midwife and health visitor. Mrs Messenger also talked about Ava’s bedtime routine and showed the students how to change a nappy.