How the hell can you do deadlines, regular hours or anything vaguely work like

[hazeyjane]

...if you have a child who has tonnes of appointments and gets ill frequently?

I am trying to do an NVQ level 3 in early years, part of which is working 2 days a week, plus one evening at college (and coursework with an assignment to be handed in every 4-6 weeks).

Am I just being an idiot to think I can do this?

Ds is at school, but has an appointment at least every week, plus some emergency appointments on top of that. Last night we ended up in hospital, and he will now be off tomorrow, meaning missing yet another day, and another evening at college (which was last night.)

I know I just have to get on with it, but bloody hell it is a juggle, and I suddenly feel knackered and frazzled, and I am aware that I am not only a crap student, but I will be a crap employer, so what is the point! How do people manage?!

I have tried to work since Dd3 went to school but it is very hard, I am reducing my hours in September because I can t cope anymore and other reasons.

It is very hard although you would be a great asset to an early years setting.

It is good to know it isn't just me who finds it hard.

I never thought I would go into early years, but going all the time I did with ds, made me realise how important it can be (if done right) for children like ds. The setting I am in always has a high intake of children who need extra support, and I would love to be part of helping them and their families.

I am going to try and complete Makaton training in the Summer, so that I can expand the use of it in the setting.

I just wish I could skip the college bit, I can do it, and don't find the work difficult, but trying to fit it all in, is hard!

I went in as a level 2 and then did workplace training to get upto level 3, I still had to do assigments but didnt have to do the whole college thing.

It worked much better for me and the assessors were brilliant, they could come and observe an activity and end up signing off tonnes and tonnes.

It might be worth a look.

It great that you can see how much you have to offer a setting, dont give up, even if you only end up managing a few hours a week

I have been signed up to a pilot scheme to attract the 'more mature' into early years - I can go straight into level 3 as I have a degree, and a setting is willing to mentor me - this means I get my funding largely paid.

Hopefully it is just a blip, and I will feel more confident about it all next week!

Just pace yourself and remember a level 3 course doesnt need to be as detailed as a degree!

You only need to pass it.

It's hard. There's no point lying but you know what you've already dealt with so you can do this.

As for employment - have a read on parental leave.

Is there any funding available for childcare whilst you study? This may help with days like today?

Is your college sympathetic? Way back when I was at college, I was ill for a long stint with viral arthritis. They sent notes and lecture recordings and stuff so I didn't miss out. The other students were brilliant as well.

I know you can't do it all remotely, but if they can give you stuff to do at home when dc is unwell, it might help?

Hazey Jane, I'm in my last year of university and it is very hard. Though, I have a fantastic university that know DS has difficulties and won't always be able to attend seminars and so forth.

Some educational establishment are very understanding and will support you the best they can.

I'm on maternity leave right now but I work for a international cooperate company. It can be done. I don't work full time. I have accepted to that if I work I will always but work after the kids therefore be a tad worse than I could be, give it less than I should. I'm ok with that. They are only little once but I will be working till 70 no doubt!