Spotlight on Talent : Loreta Vizule

Studied: Level 2 CACHE Certificate and Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education                                                                                                                                                          Progression: Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner and Nursery Assistant at Bentley West Children’s Centre

Loreta is valuing her time at Walsall College.  It it is giving her an overview of how children develop from their time in nursery up to secondary school.  On top of this, Loreta, who is deaf, has  found employment at the nursery where she completed two placements.

Both opportunities are supporting her ambitions to become a teaching assistant.

“I’m passionate about meeting lots of children and helping them achieve,” said Loreta.

Her role at Bentley West Children’s Centre in Walsall is also helping her develop her teaching abilities.  This is through the sign language skills she has been sharing with her colleagues and some of the children in her care.

“I hadn’t realised this kind of workplace and childcare setting would have a deaf resources provision and an awareness of the needs of deaf people,” Loreta commented.  “It’s shown me that it is possible for me to get where I want to in my career.”

Loreta’s enthusiasm and willingness to go above and beyond in her learning led to her receiving an Early Years Adult Student of the Year Award in 2019.

“Loreta does not see her deafness as a barrier.  She uses it to an advantage to help people communicate in different ways,” said Rebecca Creed, Early Year Practitioner at Bentley West Children Centre.

Although she fully enjoys her role in the nursery, Loreta’s teaching assistant ambitions remain firmly in her sights.

“It’s good to keep thinking ahead, even when you are in a comfortable position,” Loreta said.  “My Level 4 course has included a focus on the role a Special Educational Needs Coordinator, which I’ve found interesting.

“I owe all my achievements to Walsall College,” she added.  “The college is very aware of the needs of deaf students.  They provided me with all kinds of help.

“I was initially worried that my Level 3 course might be too much of a challenge for me. I made sure I was focused and then I achieved the grades I wanted.  I’m proud of this.”