Helen Harper - an Early Years Initial Teacher Training Graduate - case study

Helen Harper: Making a Lasting Impact in Her Setting

A Setting Leader with EYTS at Rowlands Gill Under Fives Play Group and a winner of the BPN Greatest Impact on Setting Award

Helen Harper, an Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) graduate, has been recognised with the Greatest Impact on Setting award for her outstanding contributions. Throughout the programme, Helen has not only excelled academically but has also worked tirelessly to implement innovative ideas, train her team and enhance the overall quality of her setting. She has been instrumental in embedding a child-led, in-the-moment approach, which contributed significantly to their recent Outstanding Ofsted rating. Passionate and dedicated, Helen continually reflects on and improves the setting, ensuring the best outcomes for children and families.

A Journey of Growth and Leadership

Helen Harper began her career in early years education in 2007, joining her current setting as an apprentice after a career change inspired by having her own children. Over the years, she worked her way up to her current role as Setting Leader. Since starting the EYITT course, her confidence in practice has grown tremendously. This newfound confidence has enabled her to more actively support and lead the staff team, as well as communicate more effectively with parents and other professionals.

Helen pursued Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) as part of her own professional development, eager to enhance her practice and deepen her expertise. She also saw the significant benefits this would bring to her setting, ensuring that her team, and the children they support, could benefit from her expanded knowledge and skills.

One of the highlights of the course for Helen was the in-person training days, which she found both enjoyable and informative. These sessions provided a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and experiences with trainees from a wide range of settings and backgrounds, further boosting her confidence. She found the delivery and facilitation of the training days to be well-structured and engaging.

The support she received from her personal tutor was exceptional. Her tutor guided her through placements and supported her within her own setting. Reflecting on this, Helen believes that the opportunity to discuss her setting’s pedagogy and curriculum with her tutor was instrumental in preparing for their recent Ofsted inspection, ultimately helping them to achieve an Outstanding rating.

The course content was comprehensive, interesting, and well-structured. Helen expanded her knowledge significantly through the training days and online modules. She found the wealth of information invaluable and appreciated having access to an extensive range of resources that supported her learning throughout the programme.

For anyone considering applying for EYITT, Helen has a clear message: “Definitely go for it!”. While she acknowledges that it is an intensive year with a significant workload, she firmly believes that the experience is well worth the effort.

Asked to give Best Practice Network her feedback, she admitted: "I have found BPN to be the most supportive training provider that I have worked with during my time in early years (and we have worked with a lot, both in my own training and that of colleagues over the years). The delivery of the training days was excellent and the support from my PT was outstanding."

Through the course, she has seen a significant increase in her confidence. The research and reading she undertook throughout the year have deepened her knowledge and improved her practice. Looking ahead, she is excited to continue applying her learning and embracing new challenges in the upcoming academic year.

" I feel that my confidence in my practice has increased enormously through the course. The research and reading that I have carried out over the year has informed and improved my practice. I am looking forward to embracing the challenges of the new academic year."