Sarah Jane McKay

Sarah Jane McKay has always aspired to work with children and after doing a course through NESCol’s schools links programme while she was a pupil at Fraserburgh Academy, decided to apply to study childcare upon leaving.  

Thanks to the College’s excellent progression opportunities, Sarah Jane worked her way through the College’s non-advanced full-time childcare courses – Level 5 Childcare & Development then NC Early Education & Childcare before beginning her HNC.   

Sarah Jane (21) said, “I found studying at Fraserburgh campus very enjoyable, the staff motivated me to work hard and there were always plenty of opportunities to expand my learning and knowledge. When I first left school I had no confidence and doubted my abilities, NESCol changed that.  During my time there, I became more self-assured through interacting with College staff, my fellow students and the children and professionals I met during my placements. “ 

Placements are an important part of the Childcare courses at NESCol and allow students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and experience in a real childcare setting.  During her time at College Sarah Jane worked at various nurseries in the Fraserburgh and Peterhead area including Auld Kirk Nursery, Anna Ritchie School nursery and Fraserburgh North School nursery.  

Sarah Jane said, “I cannot thank all the lecturers at NESCol and my placement mentors enough, they made a huge impact on me and have set me on the path to a successful career in the childcare sector. I would never have believed when I started at College that I would become a fully qualified Early Years Practitioner. From my experiences so far I truly enjoy seeing children develop confidence, achieve new skills and accomplishing things they didn’t think they could.” 

Sarah Jane is now working as a peripatetic Early Years Practitioner within the Peterhead Children’s Services Network.