At the time it was just a job with hours she could fit around her daughter’s school day. A year later she became a classroom assistant at the same school. But she could never have predicted that starting a couple of modules at the University of Worcester to help her in this role would lead to her taking a degree and eventually becoming a fully qualified teacher.

“I had left school at 16 and studying was difficult at first, but I was encouraged by the school and I got used to it,” says Clare, 35. Sunfield allowed her a year off to complete her PGCE.

“Becoming a teacher wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t started at the school,” she says.

Her life has changed since becoming a teacher, but she also feels that she is making a difference to her pupils, who have special educational needs. “I thought I had the temperament and the patience to do the job,” she says.  The learning has unleashed these skills. “My qualifications enable me to contribute in a positive way to the lives of the children I teach.”

Clare was nominated by Iain Chatwin of Sunfield School, Stourbridge and she was awarded the 2008 Outstanding Learner fo the Year Award.

PRESS RELEASE