Personal Statement:Speech and language therapy and child nursing 2

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

6 years ago I experienced firsthand the impact of good quality clinical care and how life changing it can be and it completely overwhelmed me. Since that time I have not only seen, but also experienced, that there is no greater satisfaction than enabling individuals to improve the quality of their lives through expert clinical care and as such I have committed myself to fulfil my ambition to work as a healthcare professional through this degree.

Through my work with children I have been inspired by the use of verbal and non-verbal communication from the ‘early talk’ programme and the EYFS framework. This has been truly motivational for me and enabled me to gain more knowledge and practical experience of SALT. I am continually fascinated by the biological processes of how a healthy mind and body works and develops but also how the impact of professional clinical care can significantly improve the lives of those affected when trauma occurs or development is impaired. I therefore see it as essential that I undertake this degree in order to increase my understanding and thirst for knowledge but also to deliver more effective care.

I feel that I have the skills and ability to be an excellent student and that I will be able to completely immerse myself in this degree for which I truly have a fierce passion. The syllabus that this course offers, combined with the independence and new experiences university will open up for me, will be the most rewarding time of my life and I am committed to make the most out of it.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

The academic knowledge I achieved through completing my SHD has enabled me to understand the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication skills in empowering an individual. I have used this and other academic knowledge from my A levels and in house training at work to be more competent, resilient and responsive when looking into the care and needs of certain individuals, but also to ensure that their rights and ethical care principles were respected in their treatment. Through my work I have seen how important it is to deliver a high level of care in both empowering children through non-verbal communication as I have witnessed that without it, it can provoke intense frustration, challenging behaviour and isolation, and act as a barrier to achievement and happiness for the child.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

I actively demonstrate a calm, patient and empathetic manner which allows the individual to feel reassured and comfortable in my practice – a skill I believe is essential in this sector. Since leaving College I have worked fulltime with the under 3s’, this has allowed me to develop my critical thinking and enquiry as well as the principles of reflective thinking and practice – all of which I feel will aid in me in developing my analytical and problem solving mind which I see as an important skill in undertaking this degree. As a part of a busy nursery I have had to use my organisational skills on a daily basis and have the confidence to lead and to make decisions based on my own findings as well as the ability to work as part of a team. I pride myself on my attention to detail, the ability to think things through logically as well as a persistent and committed work ethic.

Most of my work experience has been with children, however I have done some work in the adults’ ward of the Princess Royal Hospital where I worked closely with a patient who had Downs syndrome and Dysphagia. I was able to observe and assist in his SALT in order for him to learn new swallowing techniques as well as providing other basic medical care. As a result of this I feel I have gained an awareness of the use of different techniques to the ones I use with children. Since leaving College I have also developed a new skill set in terms of maintaining detailed confidential case notes, as well as how to provide information for carers, parents and other professionals in a hospital and nursery setting. In my spare time I have researched and used British Sign Language to increase my ability to engage with individuals who cannot express themselves through verbal communication.

I have a passion for performing arts and I have been in three semi-professional dance shows, as well as a professional pantomime. Performing arts requires me to be committed and challenges me to be creative and have a high physical and mental stamina. As a part of the local scooter club, as well as being a Vespa owner, it which allows me to be independent as well as fulfilling my interest of exploring new places and being in social situations where I can meet new people.

Universities applied to:

• University of Brighton (Child Nursing)
• City University (Speech and Language Therapy)
• City University (Child Nursing)
• University of Reading (Speech and Language Therapy)
• University of Surrey (Child Nursing)

Grades achieved:

• Society, Health and Development Advanced Diploma Level 3 (A2) - Grade A
• Sociology (A2) - Grade A*
• Extended Project Level 3 - Grade B

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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