Love on the Spectrum star Olivia fulfils long held ECEC dream with kitchen hand role

Olivia Tranter, familiar to some readers through her participation in the documentary series Love on the Spectrum, has achieved a long held goal, securing a role as a kitchen hand with early childhood education and care (ECEC) service Cheeky Cherubs Preschool. 

 

After a nine year period of unemployment Olivia is enjoying her role, fulfilling her goal of working in the ECEC sector whilst pursuing a career in acting. She was supported by local job network Asuria Employment Service, working with job coach Adin O’Riley. 

 

Mr O’Riley worked alongside Olivia for the first four weeks of the role, guiding her through the various requirements of the position. He continues to support her through weekly catch ups and goal setting exercises. 

 

“When I met Olivia, she had been out of work for nine years, and she thought it was impossible and had almost given up,” he told local publication Coast Community News. “I got in there and did the job with her until she had the confidence to do it herself.”

 

Cheeky Cherubs Preschool, a family owned service for the past seven years, works with children with additional needs, and welcomed the opportunity to add neurodiversity to their staff team. 

 

Fellow employee, educator Zoe Ross-Clark told Coast Community News that Olivia has a great work ethic, and is open to seeking support and guidance when required.

 

“She is positive in her approach, and she will always ask questions,” Ms Ross-Clark said.

 

“Olivia said from the beginning that she was not comfortable cooking on a gas top because she struggled to concentrate on multiple things at once, so we decided she could use the oven to start, and then make a salad.

 

While her kitchen hand role means Olivia is not required to work directly with children, when she does interact with them, “she is perfect,” Ms Ross-Clark said.

 

Acting remains a core focus for Olivia, who recently filmed a role for a TV show which will be airing next year.

 

“I want to be a successful screenwriter and see more people with disabilities in the arts,” she said.

 

To access the original coverage of this story, please see here.