DCG Success Stories

Studying with Derby College Group has been a ‘very positive experience’ for teaching assistant Clare Currie.

Clare, a former engineer, decided to change career later in life after being diagnosed with an eye condition in 2013 while pregnant with her son

She said: “I have Stargardt Disease, a condition that affects my central vision. It makes reading difficult – I need magnifiers – but college has been great.

“Everyone has been so supportive and kind, making sure right from my initial assessment that I settled in well. I’ve been provided with a Dictaphone, which helps me to take notes in lessons. College has been a really positive experience.”

Clare, whose previous roles include process and manufacturing engineer, was initially apprehensive about changing career but is really enjoying working in school and studying for a Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning.

After taking a break to have her son, she found a role as a midday supervisor at St Werburgh’s Primary School in Spondon and is doing her TA placement there.

Clare currently works with children in Year One, Three and Four and is assessed in the job, attending the Roundhouse one evening a week.

She added: “After my diagnosis I had to give up driving and rethink what to do next. I wondered at first if I should be a TA with my eye condition as I’m there to assist the children.

“It hasn’t been an issue though. In fact, it’s good for children to see that adults like me who have personal differences can carry on working and help other people. I feel I’m a good role model and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.”

Describing her college lecturers as ‘amazing,’ Clare has especially enjoyed learning about child development and piecing together why it is that children behave in certain ways at certain ages.

She is due to complete her Level 3 this summer and might take the Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants with Derby College after she’s had a break from studying.