emma – Tracie's Treasures

In 2001, I started my childcare journey at just 17 years old. I began an NVQ Level 2 in Early Years and Education whilst on a placement at Liverpool Black Sisters Afterschool, later being employed by the company as a part-time Play-worker.

Staff at the Liverpool Black Sisters Afterschool

I stayed with the company for over 5 years but due to funding cuts and no space for full-time employment I realised it was time to move on. I wanted a more stable career in order to get myself on the property ladder and start a family of my own with my partner David.

This is when I changed my career toward Adult Care and received an NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care. During employment, I provided Supported Living for adults with learning difficulties. I learned so much about myself and the care needs of others.
Whilst in this job, I bought my first home and shortly after moving in, I had my first child George. Not far behind, followed Olivia Rose. David and I tied-the-knot in 2010.

Having George and Olivia was how I met Tracie, and her co-childminder Phyllis Smith, as they provided childcare for the children while I worked in Adult Care.
In 2011, I had to give up my job to take care of my Mum. At this time, I also needed time out for my own health problems, which David supported me through from start to finish.

With everything happening in my personal life and having two young babies, I decided to take a course to become a childminder myself. However, OFSTED guidelines state I can only care for a particular number of children and my own babies took up two of those places. This career path was not cost-effective to contribute to the family and lead to conversations with Tracie about childminding. Tracie took me on as a Childcare Assistant and I have worked for Tracie’s Treasures ever since!