Tahira White

Life before St Petroc’s

After leaving college I embarked on a career in Administration.  I honed my skills in a variety of work places before landing a job as a Civilian typist in a busy police station in the Northwest.  Part of my duties involved transcribing evidence in criminal cases.  Having lead a sheltered existence some of the vocabulary used by the criminal fraternity required explanation from the more worldly wise of the offices of the law.  Needless to say during my early days in this role I frequently blushed and suffered embarrassment of having to type such colourful and descriptive language and practises.  My police career came to an end when my husband decided to start a family.  Over the next few years we had two children Charlotte and Stephen and I could regularly be seen pushing a tandem in all-weather around the Cheshire countryside. In 2000 my husband and I purchased a holiday home in Marhamchurch but the pull of Cornwall was such that 18 months later we moved permanently down and have never regretted it. 

What do you most enjoy about working in Early Years?

There can be nothing more rewarding in my opinion than watching young children grow and develop their personalities as well as achieve their full potential.  I experienced this with my own children and knew that I had found my vocation.  The more of one self that is shared with children the more one receives in return.  I feel it is hugely important to nurture our children and provide the best care possible for them as they will become our future. In order for me to provide the best possible care and education I undertook a BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies degree having first obtained a Foundation Degree in Early Years Care and Education.  This required balancing a full time job and running the Dolphins pre-school while meeting the needs of my family.  After much hard work and late nights I achieved my degree with Honours and successfully completed the Early Years Professional Status qualification which is teacher status for the Early Years. 

Life beyond St Petroc’s

The White family have been nicknamed the ‘fit family’ as we enjoy physical pursuits involving cycling, climbing, running, hiking, kayaking and the use of a rowing machine.  I run several times a week and recently my family and I including Minnie the Terrier climbed Ben Nevis and successfully completed the Three Yorkshire Peaks Challenge which involves 24 miles of hiking and climbing to be completed under 12 hours.  Our future goals are to climb Mount Snowden and Scalfell Pike.  We can often be found on Dartmoor and walking along the Coastal path.  My husband enjoys collecting and driving classic cars and sometimes recruits me to join him on polishing and cleaning!!