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Development Worker

 

Who Went From An Uncertain Future To Surestart?

Find out how Kirsty Layton went from being a young mum to a family development worker for SureStart with the help of Bradford College.

Kirsty Layton was still a schoolgirl when she gave birth to her baby daughter. Worried about her future Kirsty did not want her circumstances to prevent her from completing her education.

Kirsty said: "I thought I'd never get anywhere in life. I felt there was a lot of pressure, with lots of references to young parents in the newspapers. I felt there was a stigma attached to me."

With support and encouragement from her family Kirsty thought positively and there was no holding her back. She sat her exams and enrolled on a two-year Childcare and Education course at Bradford College.

Kirsty explained:  "I started the course in September and worked part-time while people helped me with childcare. I’m not going to pretend it was easy I had a lot to deal with and it was a struggle."

The course paid dividends and Kirsty attended a work placement within Surestart, the Government programme which aims to give every child a good start in life through family support, health and education. Kirsty was placed at two local schools; she loved it and realised that she was committed to the work. When the placement ended Kirsty was offered a temporary job over summer and when that came to an end she applied for a permanent, full-time job. Kirsty was thrilled to be offered the position of Family Development Worker.

Kirsty continued:  "It was fantastic, I’d landed myself a job that enabled me to use all of the skills I’d learnt at College – and I could help people that were in the same position as I used to be. I was over the moon!"

Kirsty's family and friends are very proud of what she has achieved. "They know I’ve worked hard and that I’m committed." Kirsty's advice to anyone who finds themselves in a similar position is to remain positive.  Kirsty added: “People should not think too bleakly about their future. Get out there and create a bright future for yourself.”