Shafina Inayathushen

Shafina’s journey into childcare

For 18-year-old Shafina Inayathushen, working with children has been an ambition from a young age. After achieving a Distinction in her Level 3 T Level in Education and Childcare at Leicester College, she is now putting the skills she developed into practice, working in a nursery.

A passion for working with children

Shafina has always known that she wanted a career where she could support and care for children.

“Since I was very young, I had always wanted to work with children. I always loved babies, and as I got older, I started looking at careers in nurseries and schools. I knew I wanted to become a teacher or work in a nursery where I could look after children and do the best for them.”

While exploring her options during secondary school, Shafina discovered the T Level in Education and Childcare and felt it matched her future ambitions very closely.

“I saw the course when we were looking at our options in secondary school. I read about what you would study and about the exams involved, and I thought it was perfect for what I wanted to do in the future.”

Finding the right environment

Shafina considered a number of colleges in Leicester before attending an open day at Leicester College.

“I was looking at all the different colleges in Leicester and thought, ‘Why not Leicester College?’ I came to the open day and really liked the teachers. The block where I would be studying was really nice and I liked the environment as well.”

The welcoming atmosphere continued throughout her two years at the College, with Shafina praising the support she received from her tutors, including Kelly, Sue and Jill.

“I felt very supported. The staff are really welcoming, they look after you and they’re always there when you need them.”

Bringing learning to life

One of the biggest benefits of the T Level for Shafina was being able to combine theory with practical learning and industry experience.

As part of the course, she attended placement every Thursday and Friday throughout the two years, giving her regular experience of working with children in a professional setting.

“The placement was one of the things that made me realise this was definitely what I wanted to do. Having that experience every week was really helpful and I really enjoyed it.”

The course also gave Shafina the opportunity to develop practical childcare skills alongside her theoretical knowledge.

“We did lots of theory work, but we also had creative and practical sessions. We learnt about babies, including how to feed and bathe them and understand their different care routines.”

Another standout moment was a Forest School trip during her first year, where Shafina learnt more about how children can develop through outdoor activities and exploring nature.

“The Forest School trip was one of my favourite experiences. We got to see how children can learn about nature and the outdoors, which was really interesting.”

From placement to the workplace

Shafina has already taken her first step into the career she has wanted since childhood and is currently working in a nursery.

She hopes to continue gaining experience in childcare, while keeping the option of university open for the future.

“I want to carry on working in the nursery, and if I decide to go to university in the future, I’d like to study teaching.”

Shafina would encourage other students with a passion for working with children to consider the T Level.

“If you know that you want to work in childcare, it’s a really good course. You can go on to university or, if you know you want to work in a nursery, you can go into work. If you’re a creative person, it’s a great course for you too.

“My advice would be to just go for it. The staff are welcoming and they really look after you.”