DCG Success Stories

Busy mum of four Priscilla Jordan loves her residential care job working with children and teenagers with special educational needs. 

And she’s furthering her qualifications thanks to Derby College Group, her employer Maple View School in Mackworth, and the Adult Skills Fund, run by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).  

Priscilla, 33, who has a degree in Health and Social Care from Nottingham Trent University, recently started her level 3 Children and Young People Diploma via the college.  

Priscilla has four children aged two, three, four and 12, so working in a residential care role and completing her studies is a balancing act.  

Her training is being funded via the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) on condition that she remains with her employer for at least two years after she finishes her course.  

Priscilla qualified for the funding via ASF’s Free Courses for Jobs, (FCFJ) a UK government-funded initiative, which is designed to help adults in England gain high-value level 3 qualifications levels for free. 

She said: “I work long days – 7.30am to 10pm for four days then have three days off, which gives me some time to concentrate on my coursework while my children are at school and nursery.  

“I also manage to study at work and can ask for protected study time if I need it. 

“My Derby College tutor comes out to assess me and observe me at the school. She’s lovely and is always there if I need help.  

“Most of my learning is done online and I’m well on track to complete my course next year.” 

Part of the SENAD group, Maple View School, caters for children aged six to 16 with autism, moderate to severe learning difficulties, and speech, language, and communication needs.  

It was rated Outstanding at its most recent Ofsted inspection in July 2025.  

Priscilla, who has always worked with vulnerable people, joined Maple View’s staff two years ago and says it’s her best job yet.  

She said: “What I enjoy most is being able to support the children and young people at our school, putting their needs first and making sure they get the best quality care we can give them.  

“I really enjoy spending time with them, going out for activities such as walks, to trampolining centres and bowling. Sharing those moments of fun and seeing the joy on their faces is incredibly rewarding.  

“Through doing my diploma I’ve taken a deeper look at residential care, examining the policy, how we communicate with young people with learning disabilities and what we do to keep them safe.”