A former East Durham College student has landed her dream job seven years after making the decision she wanted to work with children and signed up for a childcare course.
Lauren Crampton, aged 23, from Coxhoe, joined EDC from Framwellgate School Durham school to study on a Level 3 Childcare course back in 2013 to 2015 at the college’s Peterlee Campus, before progressing on to university.
After gaining top grades at college, Lauren secured a place at the University of Sunderland to embark on a degree in Childhood Studies.
After she graduated in 2018, Lauren signed up for a Schools Direct PGCE teacher training qualification, to follow her dream of becoming a primary school teacher, which lead to teaching supply work and a placement at Bowburn Primary School.
So, when a full-time position became available for a teacher in Year 3 at the school Lauren jumped at the chance to apply and was absolutely delighted when she landed the role, starting at Bowburn in September.
Lauren said: “I was over the moon when I received the phone call that I was successful and got the job, in a school I absolutely loved being a part of when I was doing my teacher training and supply work.
“It just proves that if you work hard and show you can do it, you stand out. I can’t wait to start my teaching journey and see what it brings.
“Teaching is extremely challenging but also highly rewarding, I can’t wait to get into the classroom and inspire the children to reach for their goals and provide a learning environment where they can achieve and grow”.
Head teacher, Mrs Glass, added: “Lauren has slotted into our staff team and proved to us all how much she enjoys working with the children. Having the experience through her placements with both infants and juniors has given her the confidence to take on this important role in Year 3”
Lauren first decided to go to EDC because of the hands-on experience offered. “EDC helped to get me where I am now because of the experience of working with children. The idea of sixth form and sitting exams irrelevant to the career I wanted to embark on was not something I was willing to consider… After attending an opening evening at EDC, I knew this college could offer me the experience I needed to pursue my career in teaching.”
Lauren’s quick success was thanks to placements she secured with the support of East Durham College. “From day 1 of placement, I knew this 100% the career for me. I loved every second of it, getting involved and progressing children’s learning and development.”
“At the end of my last year at EDC, I did a nursery placement at Kelloe Phoenix Centre. I remember leaving my phone number in case they needed any help in the future. 1 year on from doing this, I was nearing the end of my first year of university, I received a phone call from the Nursery Manager offering me a zero hour contract in the nursery, flexible to fit around my university degree. I worked here for 2 years from June 2016 – July 2018 until I left to start my PGCE in September 2018, full time.”
Lauren’s success was not just thanks to her placement, but also the support she received in pursuing a university place. “EDC were brilliant at helping me with my university application. They gave guidance on what to write in my personal statement and checked it thoroughly, so it was perfect. They were even there for me after I had left college when the university side of things got complicated in the application process. They reassured that it was going to be OK and gave me advice on what to do next.”
“College gives everyone that opportunity to pursue their dreams, giving added work experience. It allows you to grow into a young, mature adult and make mistakes in an environment where you can learn from them whilst having support from lecturers. Everyone wants you to do well and succeed. I learned that success doesn’t happen overnight. It has taken me 7 long years of hard work and determination to get me to where I am now. It all stared at EDC.”
