ThirzaAsh

 
Stage:Guest
Area:Avon, United Kingdom
Member since:06/03/2008
My photos:1

My name is Thirza Ashelford and I was until recently principal of Norland College, which is internationally-renowned for training nannies and placing them with families all over the world. Our graduates also work in nurseries, maternity hospitals, schools and many of them go on to become teachers themselves. I trained at Norland in the early 1970s so have been a Norlander all my working life. After working as a nanny in London for a few years, I spent the next 7 years working in Local Authority Day Nurseries in London and then in Somerset. After the birth of my two sons I worked as a childminder and was involved in setting up the local childminder group as well as working for the National Childminding Association where I wrote information books and leaflets, including “Minding Children with Special Needs”. Going back to work had to fit in with home and family and I was fortunate to be offered a job in a school for children with severe learning difficulties, which I loved. But then an even more exciting opportunity came my way and I opened the first workplace nursery for Somerset County Council – what a dream: setting up your own nursery with someone else’s money! Eventually I moved into education; for the last 18 years I have been teaching early years students, joining Norland College again as principal three years ago.The information provided by our experts is intended for educational purposes only. Neither the expert nor gurgle can be held responsible or liable for any loss or claim arising out of the use, or misuse, of the suggestions made on this site.As our experts do not know your specific circumstances, they are not suggesting any specific course of action for you to follow.If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with your doctor or other healthcare professional for individualised health and medical advice. Please note that our experts' responses are only intended for a UK audience