Why education gives learners another chance

Busy mum Paula Anthony is more than ready for the challenge.

She’s gone back to college to help open a career outside the home.

For the past 12 years Paula has worked as a child minder in her Rotherham home.

But as her family has grown, so has her ambition to work in a new setting.

“This is the first time I have studied full time since leaving school,” said 43-year-old Paula, whose family ranges in age from 19 to three-year-old twins.

“It’s a big commitment and with all the assignments and studying I sometimes feel it has taken over my life but I’ve managed to keep up with all the work and I’m looking forward to my second year.”

Paula is studying for a BTEC National Diploma in Early Years at Rotherham College and sees her qualification as a good investment.

“When the course ends next September the twins will be starting school so that should mean I can take up a job.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but it’s always been difficult to combine family and child minding.”

Like Angela, Paula has been helped by the Adult Learning Grant, a government scheme piloted across South Yorkshire to help people who want to change direction.

“Having that 30 a week in the first year has been a tremendous help - it has gone mainly towards covering transport costs and stationery.

“The twins are able to attend the nursery at college free of charge and that has also been a great help.”