Overcoming learning difficulties to achieve NVQ

Julie Buckler at Quality Care had to overcome her initial reluctance to embark on NVQs as she worried about her levels of reading and writing.

“I attended induction at Godalming College and was really scared and when we needed to complete paperwork I decided to declare for the first time ever that I had ‘severe learning difficulties’, says Julie. “I felt very self-conscious about doing this and that everyone was watching me – although I know this was not the case.”

Julie brought work home from the first workshop and completed this with her husband Alan’s help.

“I then received a phone call from Jenny Connelly advising me that she was going to be my assessor and I felt relieved as I felt that I could trust her. I was excited about this as I knew her from coming in to Quality Care to see others doing the NVQ and she knew I was having difficulties. However, I was naturally very nervous the first time I met Jenny for a one-to-one. I explained to her what was wrong and the difficulties I had with reading and writing. She reassured me that there were other methods of assessment other than writing, which we could use, and this gave me confidence to carry on with the award.

Julie’s husband bought her a computer to help with the work and Jenny then gave Julie the work on floppy disk to make life easier.

“Jenny came out on a regular basis for observations as well as one-to one meetings giving me more time than I know was allocated, which I appreciated. I found the abuse unit particularly difficult – as it was too close to home, however Jenny helped me through it so I was able to complete it.

“I was then faced with the first aid course, which I was fairly comfortable with – I now felt able to tell the tutor my problem at the beginning of the day and I did not get anxious over this because I knew the help was there when I needed it. I then had to do the Basic Food Hygiene course and actually was able to tell not only the tutor but also another member of the class about my learning difficulties and this was the first time I did not feel ashamed about it.

“When I completed my award I felt good that I had done it, however without Jenny’s help I would not have got through it. This course has given me tremendous confidence and I now feel able to read newspapers and magazines, which is something I have never done before and I have just bought my first book to read and am enjoying it. I have also got the confidence to ask for help in the bank etc and have embarked on an assertiveness course as well as my ECDL.”