Joanna Smith

I believe I would be an excellent candidate for an apprenticeship in Early Years Education because I am passionate about supporting children’s growth and development during the most important years of their lives. I am a caring, creative, and patient person who naturally enjoys working with children and helping them learn through play, exploration, and hands-on activities. My background in art and design allows me to bring creative ideas into the learning environment, whether through drawing, crafts, or sensory activities that support children’s development in a fun and engaging way. I understand the importance of creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children feel confident, valued, and encouraged to express themselves. I am highly organised and able to manage my time effectively, which will help me plan and support activities that meet children’s needs. I am a strong communicator and a good listener, which helps me work well with both children and adults, including parents, carers, and colleagues. I also take direction well and am open to feedback, always looking to learn and improve my skills. During my studies and work experience, I have developed qualities such as teamwork, problem-solving, resilience, and leadership. I know how to stay calm under pressure, adapt to different situations, and reflect on what I can do better. These are all important traits when working in a busy and ever-changing environment like a nursery or early years setting. I am also reliable and committed. I take my responsibilities seriously and always aim to do my best. I would be proud to support children’s early learning, help them build confidence, and contribute to their physical, emotional, and social development.

• Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, Successfully completed a two-day outdoor expedition, which involved hiking, map reading, setting up tents, cooking meals, and working effectively as part of a team. This experience helped me build resilience, independence, and practical problem-solving skills, as well as the confidence to take initiative in unfamiliar situations. It also improved my leadership and ability to stay calm and organised under pressure.
• School Talent Show – 2nd Place, Awarded second place in my school’s talent show after performing a piano recital in front of a live audience. This achievement reflects my creativity, dedication, and confidence in performing under pressure. It also shows my ability to practice regularly, stay focused on a goal, and present myself with professionalism and pride.
• Creative Innovation Achievement, Recognised for advocating the inclusion of knitting and crochet as respected forms of textile art within my art and design course. I independently designed and produced over 19 unique knit samples inspired by natural elements and the work of fashion designer Khanh Brice Nguyen. As part of my final assessment, I successfully completed a detailed knitted hat within a 10-hour exam. My creative approach and strong research influenced my tutors and peers, helping shift the way handmade textiles were viewed and inspiring future students to experiment with similar techniques.