Hayley Gleeson
A move into early years education gave Hayley Gleeson more than a career that fitted around family life – it opened up a new sense of possibility and the confidence to keep progressing professionally.
Originally from the UK and now living in Portumna, County Galway, Hayley works as a Senior Montessori Educator. She studied the level 7 BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care & Education at Portobello Institute through blended learning, balancing her studies with work and life as a mum of two young children.
Having completed her ordinary bachelor’s degree, Hayley has already continued her education, advancing to the one-year level 8 BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care & Education top-up.
Making a Change That Matched Her Priorities
Before moving into early years education, Hayley worked in social care. She relocated to Ireland in 2013 to be with her husband, who is originally from Tipperary.
With her husband self-employed and regularly working away during the week, shift work meant they often had very little time together.
“I felt I needed a change that allowed me to have the weekends off with my husband, but I wanted to stay in a caring and rewarding line of work,” Hayley explains.
That led her to complete a level 5 childcare qualification in 2018 before beginning her first role in the sector in March 2019.
“I haven’t looked back since,” she says. “I have continued to work in this setting as it feels like home to me now.”
Now a mum of two young children, Hayley has found a career that works well alongside family life while allowing her to continue developing professionally.
A New Chapter of Ambition
Becoming a parent gave Hayley a renewed motivation to set goals for herself and continue learning. She wanted to invest in her own development, while also gaining the knowledge and confidence to keep progressing within early years education.
“Since having children in 2022 and 2023, it has definitely changed my mindset on wanting to achieve goals and better myself, and has given me that drive to do more for both myself and my family,” she says.
Her decision to pursue a degree was also influenced by the changing early years sector and her belief in the importance of knowledgeable, highly skilled educators.
Choosing Blended Learning at Portobello Institute
Flexibility was essential when Hayley began researching where to study. At the time, she was working, caring for a four-month-old baby and a toddler, and managing much of the week at home while her husband worked away.
The blended learning delivery of the BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care & Education made it possible for her to continue her studies around those commitments.
“I needed something that would work around my lifestyle,” explains Hayley. “Being able to watch the recorded lessons and have tutors on hand to support and answer questions was a huge help. I also felt that Portobello gave a professional but supportive vibe to learning.”
Applying New Knowledge in Her Workplace
A key part of the BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care & Education programme is its practical focus, with 900 hours of work placement completed across two years. Hayley completed her placement hours in her current workplace.
When she began the programme, she worked in the baby room before moving into a Senior Montessori role – a change she found particularly valuable alongside her studies.
“It gave me more opportunities to put the new skills and knowledge I have learnt into practice,” she says.
As part of her programme, Hayley conducted an equality audit relating to a child with additional needs. The audit identified areas where provision could be improved, and the recommendations she presented to management were subsequently implemented.
She also explored the importance of outdoor play for children’s holistic development. After observing how poor weather could limit opportunities to go outside, Hayley proposed encouraging parents and guardians to provide wet gear and introducing a covered area within the playground. This proposal is now being considered by management.
Learning from Passionate Early Years Tutors
Hayley speaks especially highly of tutors Jacinta Murphy, Maeve Nolan, and Rachel Dunne, who played an important role in her experience at Portobello Institute.
“They have so much knowledge and you can see how passionate they are in what they do and what they are teaching us,” she notes.
Before beginning higher education, Hayley admits she worried that she might not be “academically minded enough” to succeed at degree level. Her studies helped her realise she was more capable than she had thought.
“These tutors have always made me feel the opposite,” she explains. “They have given me confidence in knowing that no question is a stupid or wrong question to ask and have a down-to-earth approach to teaching.”
That experience has made Hayley confident recommending Portobello Institute to others. Two of her colleagues have since begun early years programmes at Portobello following her recommendation, while another is considering level 7 study.
“If you’re looking for a college that is flexible around your lifestyle with knowledgeable, supportive tutors, Portobello is for you,” she says.
A Rollercoaster Worth Riding
Completing a degree alongside work and family commitments was not always easy, and Hayley describes the experience as a “rollercoaster”.
There were times when she questioned whether she could manage everything, but each assessment result gave her renewed motivation to keep going.
“The sense of achievement definitely outweighed the bad and negative feelings of feeling like I could not do it,” she says.
“Every time a result came in from an assessment, it would give me the boost I needed to stay going and push through.”
Hayley adds: “I was very lucky to be in a cohort that had supportive peers. We helped each other so much and had a sense of ‘we are all in this together’, and I have made a few friends for life.”
Greater Confidence, Deeper Knowledge, New Perspectives
One of the biggest changes Hayley has noticed throughout her studies has been in her own confidence.
She explains: “I have always been the kind of person that is happy to work under someone else’s direction. However, this experience, along with knowledge from the course such as the leadership skills module, has really helped me to come out of my shell and take the lead more.”
As her confidence has grown, so too has the way Hayley reflects on and approaches her work with children.
“This course has given me a wealth of knowledge and has also opened my eyes on viewing how I support children and how I can change and improve guidance to the best of my ability,” she says.
“I absolutely love working with children and find it extremely rewarding. Children are the most important and precious things in our lives and it’s an honour to be able to support and guide them during their early years.”
Continuing from Level 7 to Level 8
Completing the BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care & Education was not the end of Hayley’s studies. She chose to continue her education with the level 8 BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care & Education.
Portobello offers both a full three-year degree and a one-year top-up for students with relevant prior qualifications, giving Hayley the option to progress directly from her level 7 degree to the final year of the honours programme.
“I have already taken the next step,” she shares. “I am currently in the process of deciding what to base my dissertation on, and I am looking forward to getting stuck in and researching something that I have an interest in, in depth.”
This decision reflects Hayley’s belief that ongoing learning is particularly important within early years education.
“I feel that the sector is moving towards a graduate-led approach and I feel that it is important to gain knowledge and skills to support each child’s early learning and development in the best possible way,” she says.
“Policies, legislation, generations, society, and environments change continuously, so it is important to keep up to date and knowledgeable along with that. Every day is a school day for both children and educators, in my opinion.”
Take Your Early Years Career Further
Like Hayley, you can take the next step in early years and inclusive education with a qualification designed to deepen your knowledge and open up new possibilities for your career.
Discover Portobello Institute’s full range of specialist programmes here.
