Hello, my name is Teresa
We caught up with Teresa Darcy, early years practitioner in the school nursing service, to find out more about her and her role.
Tell us about your role?
I am an early years practitioner (EYP) and I work with the school nursing service to support children aged 4-8 years old. I support families with children where sleep, diet, selective eating, behaviour support, school readiness and toileting training are an issue.
What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day can be anything from reading through emails, writing up records, visiting schools and having discussions with the child, parent and class support workers, visiting a parent at home and updating colleagues on the progress of visits.
How does your role fit within the organisation?
The EYP role supports local and national policies to improve the health and wellbeing of school-aged children within the community. We can help children who grow up in the most at-risk families and help parents give their children the best possible care.
How did you begin your career?
I started my journey many years ago as a teaching assistant – I supported children with emotional and behavioural needs. It was during this time that I became interested in the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age and how that can lead to health inequalities.
How did you become interested in this field?
It was during my time as a teaching assistant that I noted gaps in children’s learning and development so I looked at a holistic approach – bringing the child and family into focus and improve the health and wellbeing of children and reduce health inequalities.
This interview first featured in Autumn's edition of True North magazine.