Sinead Finnerty
Sinead Finnerty epitomises the success of early years graduates at Portobello Institute having studied with us from her Montessori qualification in 2006, to her BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care and Education degree in 2022 and proudly graduating with her MA Early Childhood Studies in 2024.
Sinead is an exemplary Montessori setting owner, manager and practitioner based in Dublin who upholds the highest standards and values in her study, knowledge and work.
With a previous life in hairdressing, helping at her own children’s Montessori with day trips and filling in for staff on days off, she grew to love the sector.
Following a long educational journey from level 6, to her BA (Ord) Early Childhood Studies degree, adding another year to make it a BA (Hons) and then finally pushing herself to her master’s, during her graduation ceremony in 2024, Sinead received a Special Recognition award from the Early Years faculty at Portobello Institute for her commitment and dedication to her growth and development.
Dr Marguerita Magennis said “Sinead put tremendous effort into completing this master’s and has really shown how support and encouragement can help a student to overcome numerous boundaries.”
Sinead said she was honoured to be recognised in this way.
“It was such an honour bestowed on me winning a special award. It reassures you that your efforts are being noticed and valued, sparking further ambition and passion for your work, encouraging you to take the next step with your career with confidence for your work.
“I felt overwhelmed and emotional and to be honest I was at a loss for words, as it was a very special moment in my life. Nonetheless, it already felt like a win, when I completed my Master’s in Early Childhood Studies,” she said.
Sinead reflected on her time studying at Portobello Institute, the relationships she made with tutors, and how she has grown as a result of the flexible learning, support and encouragement.
“Studying is a key skill. It builds knowledge and understanding and helped to prepare me for future learning, while sharing my new learning with my colleagues and strengthening new learning for the children with a more in-depth knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop.
“My studies may provide opportunities in my working life, due to advancing in my education.
“Portobello was my first choice, as many, many moons ago, there were few places that offered early years qualifications. Therefore, I embarked on my Montessori Diploma with Portobello Institute, and my experience was perplexing. I met an astonishing and very important tutor who hugely encouraged and supported my learning journey, a big ‘thank you’ to Denise Flood.
“Several years went by, probably quite a lot, and I met the amazing Jacinta Murphy at the department of education, we spoke about the degree, and Jacinta gave me the courage to return to education. I have met several lovely ladies, that have supported me on my educational journey, to name but a few, Jacinta Murphy, Denise Flood, Denise Baker, Maeve Nolan, Iryna Fox and Rachel Dunne.
“I was drawn back to Portobello, as the support for adult education was second to none, and the extraordinary friendly support, was a huge asset in assisting me to continue my education, these ladies are all responsible for myself, catching the educational bug to complete my master’s.
“Having met the wonderful, knowledgeable Dr Marguerita Magennis, she further ignited my passion in a positive way, to proceed and advance my studies to a master’s level. I cannot thank her enough for igniting my passion, and for her support, encouragement and knowledge on my educational journey. I owe my final part of my educational journey to this lady, she really is some woman for one woman!
“I never felt like a student with Portobello, the tutors made you feel that you were a friend, and always made you feel very welcomed during classes. Each student was granted amazing support to achieve and attain their education goal.
“Studying at Portobello Institute has helped my work life balance; to meet my study and assignment deadlines, learning to value and manage my time. You learn to micromanage your time, which has impacted, both my work, and life balance, as the routine and or skill has followed me, creating a healthy balance for work, while still having time for family, friends and hobbies and not having to worry about your work in free time.
“Portobello Institute provided me with a chance to access adult education, it suited and worked around my job and my family life. Therefore, I feel Portobello Institute offers all student a chance to access adult education with immense support and encouragement and the freedom to learn in times that will work for each individual student’s lifestyle.
“I cannot thank all the amazing tutors at Portobello enough, for providing me with the opportunity to go above and beyond my dream to gain my level 9 Master’s in Early Childhood Studies,” she said.
Sinead’s commitment to learning has not only transformed her career but also the lives of the children and families who are lucky enough to work with her.
If you are interested in studying early childhood care and education, visit our Early Years faculty.
