Meet The Trainer - Nicole In Earl Shilton and Coalvillle

I’m Nicole, the local Daisy first Aid Trainer for Broughton Astley, Earl Shilton, Glenfield, Coalville, and the surrounding areas.

Here are 5 things about me…

Why I became a Daisy First Aid Trainer….

I have always loved teaching others and working with adults and children learning new skills. I strongly believe that everyone should have a basic knowledge of first aid. I also wanted to build a career around my family life and Daisy First Aid was recommended by a close friend as a great opportunity. So I looked into it and quickly started my journey into becoming a Daisy First Aid Trainer.

My background/own experience…

I am a proud mum to 4 lively children – 2 boys and 2 girls, so I have experienced my own share of the illness, injury and accidents that inevitably happen in childhood.

I have around 25 years experience of working with children. I worked as a sports coach, dance teacher and volunteered in schools whilst I was studying sport science at college and university.

After completing my degree, I spent time as a sports coach then progressed onto working as a Teaching Assistant in the PE department at a local college. I quickly trained to become a High Level Teaching Assistant, which then led into teacher training. Once qualified, I worked as a supply teacher to gain experience in different education settings – special school, pupil referral unit, city schools, county schools and primary schools.

I am incredibly proud of the last 15 years, where I have worked as a primary school teacher in 2 different city schools in Leicester. I have taught from foundation stage up to year 6.

Alongside my teaching career I am also a foster carer. I started as a respite foster carer, had some short term placements, then got approved for long term placements. I have cared for around 10 children over the past 15 years, including 2 long term.

I spent a few years volunteering as a football coach and first aider for a youth team, from U8’s to U16’s. I was also a beaver scout leader for 2 years at a local group.

What I love about teaching…

Teaching has been my life for so many years now. I am passionate about teaching and truly believe everyone should learn the life skill of first aid. I enjoy passing on the knowledge I have to others and seeing those moments of learning and what I like to call ‘lightbulb moments’ of understanding and enjoyment.

My hope is that what I teach about first aid will leave my learners feeling confident and empowered. Knowing that in the unfortunate event of accident or illness – you can react and respond before the medical professionals arrive.

My proudest moments…

When I look back at what I have done in my life there are so many proud moments in both my personal life and professional life (I love to see the positives).

Choosing just one is really tricky – so I chose one that combines a few! Whilst studying my final year at university I became pregnant with my first child.

Many people expected me to drop out…proved them wrong. I was due at the end of the year so timing wise it was fine. However, my son decided to make an early arrival (6wks prem) and he felt my final exam for sports psychology was the best time for this!

I actually managed to finish my exam, drive to the hospital and give birth – true story. And yes I did pass the exam. Becoming a mum was the highlight of the day.