Mature student shares “it’s never too late to achieve your goals”

After a 16-year break from studying, Joanne Wozencroft felt a strong pull back to education. Her professional and personal experiences sparked a passion for inclusive practice and sustainability - two values she wanted to take further through study. Now she graduates with First Class Honours in Early Years Education and Care (BA Hons) from University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), proving that “it’s never too late to achieve your goals.”

“I’ve always believed in creating enabling environments for children,” Joanne says. “Returning to education was about challenging myself and gaining the knowledge to make a real difference.”

Joanne, who is 44 and from Ystradgynlais, completed her course with Early Years Practitioner Status - designed for those already working in early years who want to gain a full degree while continuing their professional role. With her extensive experience in supporting children and families, Joanne was perfectly suited to this pathway.

Her decision to study at UWTSD was influenced by her previous manager who recommended the course and encouraged her to apply. “Working in education, colleagues spoke highly of UWTSD’s reputation for supporting students to reach their full potential, flourish, and succeed - especially those returning after a break,” Joanne explains. “It felt like the right place to reconnect with academia. The focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and child-centred learning really resonated with me.”

Joining at Level 6 as a mature student was no small feat, especially while navigating a challenging year in her personal life. Balancing study with family responsibilities and her daughter’s new health circumstances tested her resilience. 

“Returning to academia after a long break came with more challenges than I ever anticipated,” Joanne admits. “But the support networks at UWTSD made a huge difference. By persevering, I hope I’ve become a role model for my daughter, showing that even through adversity, it’s possible to flourish when you have the right support around you.”

Joanne credits the encouragement of her lecturers and peers for helping her overcome those hurdles. “Their support gave me the confidence to persevere, and achieving First Class Honours has exceeded my expectations and reaffirmed my belief in lifelong learning.”

She also accessed a range of support services during her studies. “The Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) mentor group was invaluable in helping me settle back into academic life, and the student library tutorials gave me confidence with research and referencing. I also made use of wellbeing support, which helped me balance personal challenges alongside my studies.”

For Joanne, the course offered many highlights, particularly research projects that enabled her to pursue her interests in sustainability, outdoor learning, and inclusive education. She focused on weaving conservation principles, including those taught through the John Muir Award - a certificated outdoor learning and sustainability programme offered as part of the course - into early years practice.

“I wanted to show how outdoor learning can enrich education and wellbeing,” she says. Her family garden became a living example of this philosophy - a space where nature and learning come together.

Now, Joanne is continuing her journey with Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) at UWTSD, aiming to become a lecturer to inspire future generations and lead projects that promote sustainability and inclusivity.

“This course has transformed me professionally and personally,” she says. “It’s reignited my love of learning and shown me that it’s never too late to achieve your goals.”

Her advice to anyone considering the course is: “Absolutely go for it! If you’re passionate about early years education and making a difference in children’s lives, UWTSD offers the perfect environment to thrive.”

Further Information

Mared Anthony

Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations   
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: +447482256996