After Woods and Waves Forest and Beach School told us all about the volunteering work Jesicca Tate, Education Studies BA student has been involved in, we were delighted when Jesicca agreed to be a volunteering case study. An inspiring read from one of our students who has now gained full time employment. Well done and thank you Jesicca!

“Volunteering with Woods and Waves Forest and Beach School gave me the opportunity to learn how to connect everything taught in my degree into practice. It allowed me to gather professional knowledge from a multitude of perspectives including education, special needs, and social care. I was then able to understand the concerns of the community, which changed my perspective and passions as an educator.

My volunteer role was very active! In the “nature cubs” session, we ensured early years provision and taught skills that facilitated the child’s need in preparation for school and home education. This included several outdoor activities, stories, cosy campfires, treasure hunts, language and numeracy all facilitated through outdoor play. I was active in the various SEND sessions which focused on mental health and cognitive development of learners with additional needs. A big part was also supporting parents with their struggles during a time which felt like a diagnosis was a privilege.

At the start, I was unsure of my passions as an educator as I had never stepped foot in a classroom or education setting. After not been able to secure a placement easily, I nearly gave up on education altogether. Angela Wood from the Student Futures Team worked hard to ensure I managed to secure a placement that was right for me. For anyone thinking about volunteering or getting a placement, ensure you seek support in doing so, the staff are very friendly and supportive of your needs individually. There is no shame in not having a placement yet and support is always there for students who are struggling.

I enjoyed every aspect of my volunteering; all the work was equally rewarding. I have a newfound love of the outdoors and a deepened knowledge of education in early years. I have learned several creative and crafty skills that I have been able to bring to my new employment as an early years SEN practitioner.

The days are young, and the world is my oyster, I know my passion for professional development to too deep to ignore so in the future who knows what I might sign up to. I am however really enjoying my new employment and putting lots of the skills I learned from my volunteering role into practise”.