Feb 08, 2026
Hear from our nursery apprentices as they share real experiences of learning on the job, building confidence, and developing their careers in early years childcare through apprenticeship training.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate the incredible apprentices across our nursery teams.
Apprenticeships are such an important part of early years childcare. They allow practitioners to learn directly within the nursery environment, gaining hands-on experience while building confidence, knowledge, and professional skills.
Today, we’re sharing real experiences from members of our team at different stages of their apprenticeship journeys, from those just starting out to those who have already qualified and progressed into leadership roles.
I arrive at 8am and walk into the meadow room and meet and greet with the team and babies before we move into our room. We set up some activities and resources for the babies but observe and follow their interests using ‘in the moment’ planning wherever possible.
I roll a ball between myself and a baby as I know they like balls and we started a game. I expanded their language by saying the colour of the ball and making noises such as “whoosh” and extended play by giving access to a range of different balls and things that roll. This supports the learning and enjoyment of the baby.
I enjoy my apprenticeship and the structure it gives me and I like being able to split up the modules into chunks to make it less daunting. I am expanding my knowledge and learning so many new and interesting things.
In the future, when I qualify I would like to continue my work with children and maybe study further to run art therapy for children. The apprenticeship and nursery team have increased my confidence and competence in my role.
We set up the room with key continuous provision and activities for the children to explore. The children take part in free play until 9.45 and then we sit or stand and dance using a song basket before setting up for snack.
Snack is prepared in the kitchen, and all the children sit together to enjoy their snack time, I support by sitting with the children, encouraging them to try their food, share conversation and have a drink.
Throughout the day I also help with changing the children’s nappies.
Next we explore an adult led activity, which is planned around the children’s interests and developmental needs, which helps to build on their next steps and existing knowledge.
We go outside twice a day, whether it’s rainy or sunny! Outside we explore the mud kitchen, sand pit, climbing wall and water play. We also follow the children’s interest which usually leads to finding bugs and leaves in the garden!
Before lunch we have carpet time activities, then children wash their hands and find their name card.
After lunch all the children go to sleep, they are supported to sleep if needed, the staff then take it in turns to go on their lunch breaks in our garden room staff room!
At 4 o’clock the children begin to go home and we check they have their things and any artwork and support the handover to their parents and talk about what they have done and how they are developing.
I love my course and learning new things every day. I am more confident and have made good relationships with the team. I feel safe in work, and I know who I can speak to if I have any worries or concerns.
In the future, I am hoping to finish my level 2 and go onto my level 3 and I hope to stay here as part of the team to develop further.
As an apprentice I would carry out two activities once a week, these activities would be planned with specific children in mind, it would build on their next steps and existing knowledge.
Some activities include painting, printing or mark making with different tools, walks, dance, music, water play and sensory tuff trays.
As an apprentice I have built up strong bonds with children in the baby room, I have been a co-key person for the duration of my course, and I carry out weekly observations and eight-week summaries on my key children.
I communicate with parents daily, letting them know what their child has been learning about at nursery, what they have eaten, if they have had a sleep and what they have enjoyed doing.
I also help with day-to-day tasks in the room such as helping set up mealtimes, clearing them away, changing the children’s nappies, cleaning resources, keeping the cupboards tidy and lots more!
During my apprenticeship I would complete assignments, my assessor would come in to observe my practise and carry out reviews, and I would need to attend some live training. I really enjoy being able to learn practically.
Since completing my apprenticeship at the end of 2025, I have been promoted to deputy room leader which I’m really excited about. In the future I would like to continue to enhance my skills and potentially do my level 5.
These reflections show just how valuable apprenticeships are, not only for gaining qualifications but for building meaningful relationships with children, developing practical skills, and creating exciting career pathways in early years.
We are so proud of Jessie, Daisy, Shakira, and all of our apprentices for the care, dedication, and enthusiasm they bring every day throughout their learning journey.
Thank you for joining us during National Apprenticeship Week as we celebrate the people shaping the future of childcare. If you’re inspired by these stories and interested in beginning a rewarding career in early years, an apprenticeship could be the perfect first step. We’re always proud to support passionate individuals as they learn, grow, and become valued members of our nursery teams.
To find out more about current apprenticeship opportunities, visit our careers page or get in touch with your local nursery today.