Progressing in childcare

Story: Sarah Cooper | Photos:Watoto

Many parents will have heard of Watoto on Catherine Road, which grew from a crèche of local parents into the successful pre-school it is today. I went to meet Manager Sharon Brown and Deputy Lillian Linton to hear their own stories.

Sharon became involved 14 years ago, when it was first started by parents at the Black Women's Resource Centre. Very unsure of what she wanted and lacking in self-confidence, she was asked to volunteer at the crèche. She says,

"I started doing short courses, with the support of women in the group. I did find that a very strong vehicle to help me go forward. Then I did my NVQ level 3 and 4, and then a degree in Childhood Studies. The support I got from the centre was invaluable."

Lillian also overcame low self-confidence to work her way from crèche volunteer to deputy manager.

"I had very little confidence at school. I hadn't considered going into management: I had to start from scratch."

Lillian started with a short course in child-care, then BTEC level 3 and NVQ level 4. Her success, she feels, was down to her determination to keep pushing herself to the next level. Like Sharon, she says the Black Women's Resource Centre played a vital role in building her confidence, through "positive people who made me feel good about myself".

Both women have studied whilst working and caring for their children. What's motivated them?

"It's the children that pushed me," Sharon told me, "They do need a positive start, I'll do my best to make sure they reach their full potential." Lillian agreed - after bad experiences of her own at school, she's determined to make a positive impact on this generation.

For both women, the journey is far from over. Lillian wants to see an already good Ofsted report get even better and Sharon has more study planned. And for Watoto, there are plans for a sensory room and an outreach crèche service. It's a great story, but one that Sharon insists other people can experience too: "I want people to know the support is out there".

For more information about Watoto call 275 1817