Guest lecture inspires trainee early years professionals

One of the UK’s most admired early years and healthcare professionals paid a visit to Walsall College; leaving early years, education and childcare students at Walsall College inspired and overcome with emotion.

In 1996, alumni, Lisa Potts-Webb, protected children from a machete attack which took place in Wolverhampton in the nursery where she was working. She shared her career journey so far with vocational childcare and T Level students.  This included details of how she and others recovered from their ordeal.

Now a health visitor, Lisa was keen to emphasise to students the importance of facing their fears and ensuring difficult circumstances and challenges did not hold anyone back from achieving their ambitions. The mum-of-two also spoke about the importance of taking care of your mental health.  For example, noticing others’ behaviour so they could receive any support they might need swiftly and adequately.

Keri Birch, lecturer and advanced practitioner said: “It’s fair to say that Lisa Potts-Webb is one of the most remarkable people for our students to come across. She bought some of them to tears as she talked of the difficult experiences she and others involved in the machete attack went through.  And how they learned to look to the future.

Keri continued: “It is important for our learners to develop an understanding of how adverse experiences and traumas can impact on a person’s personal development and life chances. Hearing from Lisa is excellent preparation for their professional and personal development.”

Lisa Potts-Webb has also worked as a counsellor.  In 2001, she founded Believe To Achieve.  The charity aims to encourage independence and to increase self-esteem in children.

The students are now planning to support the charity through a non-uniform fundraising day.