19th December 24
For many people juggling parenthood, work, and dreams of a new career, returning to education can feel like a huge step. Charlotte Allt, a 33-year-old learner studying our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery), shares her empowering story of perseverance, family balance, and pursuing a long-held dream of becoming a midwife.
Her words offer a powerful insight into why studying online is a game-changer for working parents and anyone looking for a flexible route into midwifery.
What inspired you to pursue midwifery?
Charlotte’s inspiration to start a career in midwifery came from multiple sources:
Her late father-in-law
“He devoted his life to his family and was a family man, a great husband, father, father-in-law, son, brother, uncle and grandad to his grandchildren. He went back to study in higher education late on in his late 30’s to study a law degree. Eventually found a job he liked and where he was well-respected and happy working with his work friends.
[He] inspired me to follow in his footsteps to go back into education late on in my life now I’m 33 years old, to pursue my dream career that I know I was born to do and follow my dream. To create a better future for my family. Especially my children and to also make a difference in other people’s lives by helping mothers, infants and their families.”
Her midwife
“I saw first-hand how she supported and listened to her patients empathetically and compassionately to provide them the best, safe care. It was not easy for her to gain my trust as a client because of mistrust and feeling like I was judged by previous professionals. She understood and listened and was apologetic in a professional manner.
That has made me determined to make a difference and work as part of a team of midwives to improve the patient/professional relationship of trust in the future.”
Why did you choose learndirect?
“After looking at different organisations or colleges, I spoke to someone from another college, and they advised me to look at other options that allowed me to pay monthly and be able to afford to fund myself through higher education learning and an access midwifery course. This worked around my family’s financial circumstances. The payment plans for the course and the fast-track option make it affordable to study from home and focus on my future career around family life.
I have met some great people along the way at learndirect, especially SJ and other midwifery students on the same course. The tutors are also amazing and supportive. Without their help, I would not have got as far or achieved as much as I have in such a small amount of time.”
How has the Community Hub helped in your studies?
“I always remember privately messaging another access to midwifery learner who completed the course. She was very polite and friendly. I asked her for some advice about a unit which I took forward and listened to. It helps me to progress through my course and do well. You always meet some lovely people in the hub. The admins also give great advice and help others.
I more recently have helped another newer learner with unit 5 to better understand it. It must be the leader in me to help others and encourage them to get through the difficulties on the course as once I struggled too, now I am more than halfway through the course and nearing the end! Only seven months to meet the finish line and complete the course myself. So, I will help whoever needs it along the way when I have the time and hopefully it will benefit them like it has me and they too will complete the course. Because more future midwives are needed!
The community hub has helped a lot of learners to feel supported, heard and not alone! Whilst going through the foundation year at college, which is intense, it is important to not isolate.”
How has the midwifery course prepared you for university interviews?
“The course has given me more in-depth knowledge and a better understanding of midwifery. Through learning about biology, the roles and responsibilities of a midwife, pregnancy, foetal development and monitoring, and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), and a multidisciplinary team.
Since studying on the course my self-confidence, self-belief and self-preservation have given me the opportunity to find myself and prepare myself for the university interviews by applying my academic knowledge, listening skills, communication skills and meeting deadlines or using the timetable approach to work everything around each other. Whether that is studying and completing assignments ahead of timelines, researching and answering questions, finding the time to prepare myself to meet academic standards, be a mum, or confidently speak in interviews and get myself through my driving which I will continue do to make my life easier and commute. I did not know my own capability until I progressed through the midwifery course.”
What advice would you give to parents considering the course?
“It does not matter how old you are it is never too late to follow your dreams or to make a difference. If you are a mother wanting to pursue your career around parental responsibilities, then why should this stop you from doing what you want? You can achieve anything you put your mind to. If you are unhappy with something in your life, then change it and as a parent, it is okay to put yourself first occasionally to make your dream your reality and do what makes you happy.”
The most rewarding part of Charlotte’s journey so far
“I have gotten more than halfway through the course, I have achieved all ungraded units, gained three merits and three distinctions so far on the midwifery course and I hope to continue succeeding and achieving more distinctions along the way to progress onto university.
It has been an honour and a privilege to meet so many nice people along the way, from everyone at learndirect to meeting course leaders and students at university courses online or in person. Getting back into studies and learning again in my thirties was at times scary and sometimes overwhelming, but you know what? I am very grateful that I did because of who I am, where I am and what I will be in the future.
Knowing I will make a huge difference in the future helping others and doing the job well is the greatest satisfaction I need to motivate me to finish. The end is in sight for me. This course may come to an end, but what won’t be is my passion, enthusiasm, willingness to learn, determination to succeed and who I am as a person. Because I will continue to make a difference, help others and I will be doing my dream job!”
Setting the foundations for success with the right routine
For Charlotte, finding balance was key to juggling her course with her family commitments. She built a study routine around her children’s schedule and focused on creating a sustainable pace.
Charlotte’s study routine:
- Morning: 2 hours after the school run
- Afternoon: 1-2 hours during her baby’s naps
- Evening: Time to relax, unwind, and recharge with a good book or music
This structure allowed her to progress academically while still being present for her family.
Charlotte’s tips for parents studying midwifery online
Charlotte’s journey has taught her valuable lessons for parents considering online study:
Build a routine that works for you
“I recommend making a timetable plan for each unit and stick to it the best you can, don’t worry if sometimes you can’t.”
Lean on your support system
“Make sure you have plenty of supportive people around you, does not have to be a partner, it can be anyone like best friends and family members or even a family pet.”
Take care of yourself
“Self-care is so important to not only feel better, but confident to tackle life’s daily challenges head-on.”
Stay focused on your goal
“Every challenge is an obstacle that can be overcome in the right time.”
Break tasks into manageable steps
“Break down each section of a unit down and break each task down, focus on one task each day.”
Why the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery) is perfect for parents
The Access to HE Diploma (Midwifery) is specifically designed to help adult learners take the first step towards a rewarding career in midwifery.
Delivered entirely online, the course offers:
- Flexible study hours: Learn at your own pace, on your own schedule.
- Comprehensive preparation: Gain the skills and knowledge needed for a midwifery degree.
- Supportive learning environment: Access dedicated tutors and an online community for advice and motivation.
- An efficient Level 3 alternative: Equivalent to three A-Levels and often completed within a year, it provides a fast track onto the midwifery degree at university.
For working parents like Charlotte, this flexibility is invaluable. It enables learners to manage their education alongside the demands of family life, ensuring they can achieve their ambitions without sacrificing time with loved ones.
Ready to follow in Charlotte’s footsteps?
Charlotte’s words are a testament to the power of flexible online learning, showing that no matter your age or personal circumstances, achieving your dream career is possible.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards becoming a midwife, our online Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery) can help you get there. Enrol today on our website or download our free course brochure for more information below!
