A week of learning, inclusion and inspiring experiences
During the summer we welcomed Jessica to Jersey Child Care Trust as part of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Jersey Future Leaders Shadowing Scheme, a highly regarded programme that gives Year 12 students the opportunity to spend time shadowing senior leaders and gaining valuable insight into the world of work.
Over four days, Jessica shadowed our CEO, Fiona Vacher, experiencing first-hand experiences of work undertaken by JCCT and the partnerships that help us support children and families across Jersey.
From attending meetings with organisations and funders to visiting nurseries, Jessica embraced every opportunity presented to her. Throughout the week, it was wonderful to watch her confidence grow as she met professionals from a wide range of sectors, learned about our programmes and services and gained a deeper understanding of the positive impact early years support and inclusion can have on children’s lives.
Here is what Jessica shared about her time with us:
What did you do on your placement shadowing CEO, Fiona at JCCT?
“I’m so grateful for the time I had shadowing Fiona, I got to experience a learn so many new things. We went to a range of meetings with different companies, and I spoke to lots of different people, with a wide variety of roles.
What I enjoyed the most was talking with one of the senior early years inclusion practitioners, who taught me some Makaton and let me take photos of her performing a nursery rhyme using Makaton signs.
I also enjoyed visits where I was watching a young child with his inclusion practitioner and being able to photograph their activities and games. Getting to visit a private nursery setting, to observe another inclusion practitioner in their role, while also getting to talk and play games with the other children, was also lots of fun.”
Was there anything that surprised you?
“I knew that as a charity, JCCT worked alongside quite a lot of other organisations, but I was shocked to see just how many they work with, and are sponsored by. There’s such a diverse range of big and small businesses, as well as many other charities that work together to help one another.”
What did you find the most challenging part for you?
“Everything was really interesting, and there wasn’t anything too challenging, although some of the meeting were quite confusing. The hardest part was probably leaving after my nursery visit, when I was saying goodbye to the children I was with, because they were all so sweet.”
What is one things you will take away from this experience that will help you in the future?
“The main thing I learnt was how fulfilling and heartwarming it is to work with children and their families. I got to witness firsthand how rewarding it can be, even if it’s one simple change that’s made in order to positively impact a child. Although it may not seem much, it can still profoundly influence not just their life, but also their family and friends’ lives too.”
