Laura studied at Northern Regional College’s Coleraine campus, building her skills, confidence and career step by step while gaining extensive real-world experience in childcare and education settings.
Laura’s childcare journey began in 2016, when she enrolled on the Level 2 Children’s Care, Learning and Development programme at Northern Regional College. From there, she progressed to the Level 3 BTEC National Diploma, which she completed in June 2019, combining her studies with valuable placement experience as a classroom assistant supporting a Primary 2 pupil at Kilmoyle Primary School.
Reflecting on her early studies, Laura said, “From the very start, the College helped me realise that childcare wasn’t just a job for me, it was a career. Each course built my confidence and showed me how much of a difference the right support can make to children and families.”
After completing her Level 3 qualification, Laura continued to develop her experience, moving to Garryduff Primary School, where she worked as a Special Educational Needs Classroom Assistant supporting a Primary 6 pupil. At the same time, she began paid employment as a Playworker with Kidz Club Ballymoney, gaining hands-on experience across different age groups and care settings.
Laura also worked in St Joseph’s Primary School as a Special Educational Needs Classroom Assistant, while continuing her role at Kidz Club after school. Her commitment and leadership potential were quickly recognised, leading to her promotion to Room Leader in 2022, followed by Interim Deputy Manager.
In 2023, Laura took the next step in her professional development by enrolling on the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership within Childcare at Northern Regional College. Balancing the demands of the qualification alongside two jobs in the childcare sector was challenging, and during this time Laura also faced significant personal hardship with the illness and loss of her mum.
Laura said, “That was the hardest period of my life. Trying to keep going with work and study while dealing with loss was incredibly difficult, but the support I received from my tutors and colleagues made a huge difference. They believed in me even when I doubted myself.”
With encouragement from her lecturers and the flexibility offered by the College, Laura persevered and successfully graduated at the College’s Higher Education & Access Graduation. She is now officially Deputy Manager at Kidz Club Ballymoney, where she feels confident leading staff, supporting children and contributing to the day-to-day management of the service.
“Completing my Level 5 has changed how I see myself professionally,” she added.
“I feel confident in my role, confident in my decisions, and proud of how far I’ve come. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of Northern Regional College.”
Elaine Hegarty, Lecturer in Childcare at Northern Regional College, said, “Laura’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, commitment and leadership. She faced significant personal challenges during her studies, yet remained dedicated to her professional development. Laura has grown into a confident and compassionate leader, and she is a real asset to the childcare sector. We want to congratulate Laura on her amazing achievement and wish her all the success as she continues to develop her career in childcare leadership.”
Laura’s success highlights Northern Regional College’s commitment to supporting learners at every stage of their journey, providing flexible learning pathways, strong pastoral support and industry-relevant qualifications that enable students to progress into leadership roles.
Applications for all Higher Education courses starting in September 2026 are now open. For further details and to apply visit www.nrc.ac.uk