Recruitment and Retention

I have had this apprenticeship for nearly a year now and it has been such a great experience working with amazing people and learning new things every day, for example all the different ways children learn and what I can do to best support them.

My journey started by volunteering in a primary school. When I started this apprenticeship I didn’t know what to expect but my confidence has grown and I now have my own key children and have had the most amazing time getting to where I am now.

My favourite part of the job is being a part of the children’s lives, watching them achieve so many new things and seeing them so excited to be at nursery when they come in.

I have gained so much knowledge since starting this apprenticeship such as how to support the children to complete their next steps and setting up activities that they are interested in that also supports their development.

I decided to do an apprenticeship because, even though I am still working towards my qualification I am doing the job I love and have always wanted to do. I feel that studying this way I have gained so much more practical experience than I would have on the other pathways into Early Years.

In the future I hope that I can gain my level 3 qualification and be able to support many young children to be the best version of themselves.

Nursery Apprentice

My journey in Early Years (EY) education began in 2004 as an unpaid volunteer in my twin sons’ local committee run pre-school for 2-hours a week.

I had taken a five-year career break from a banking career to be a stay-at-home Mum as the cost of childcare outweighed any income I could earn part-time. An opportunity arose to join the setting as a paid, unqualified practitioner in 2006; which was an unforeseen change in career, but one which worked around my family's needs; especially my children’s school hours.

I was hesitant to begin with; I had four children and I was not sure that I could work with little people all day and then return home to the busy chaos of my own children. But I loved it! Nurturing little ones, seeing their awe and wonder as they explored and learnt about their world, the little smiling faces and excitement as they ran to greet me, supporting families in their good and more challenging times. Yes, it is hard work and yes, some days are exhausting but no two days are ever the same.

There have been times I have cried, sometimes overwhelmed with challenges but more often than not crying with laughter. As a team we used the phrase “it could only happen in Early years!

In 2012 I was promoted to deputy manager and six weeks later propelled into the manager's position (EEK!). In 2014 and 2021 I worked with an amazing team to achieve Ofsted’s highest honour - outstanding!!

In 2022 I started a new chapter as an Early Childhood Specialist for the Local Authority. I was so sad to say goodbye to the children and parents but excited about my new adventure.

In the setting I helped to make a difference to children’s and families lives whilst supporting practitioners' professional development. In my new role I offer my experience and knowledge, supporting practitioners who continue to make a difference every day.

All the time, love and compassion I invest in my work centre's around meeting children’s, families and settings evolving needs whilst improving outcomes. Making a difference, however small, has always been the most important part of my work. I can honestly say that working in EY is a privilege.

Sue Willner, Early Childhood Specialist, Peterborough City Council

Initially I trained as a nanny and I then completed an NNEB, then I worked in preschools and nurseries.

I was using a childminder for my son, while working in a nursery and I was inspired by my childminder to investigate childminding myself. as I wanted to continue my childcare career, and by taking the childminding route I could do this, be my own boss and be able to look after my own child in my own home.

I have now been childminding for 27 years and my 3 children have enjoyed having a wide range of children to play and socialise with and this helped their development exceed.

As a childminder I support parents in their children’s development and I am often a listening ear for parents. I enjoy planning a wide range of activities for the children to support their learning and having the flexibility to get the toys out that the children ask for to extend their learning.

As a childminder I can take the children out into the community every day to extend their learning and introduce the children to outside learning and new experiences. For example, the children love going on the bus and a train journey when learning about transport.

I love the flexibility of childminding, being able to choose the days/times I wish to work and making a positive contribution to so many children’s learning and development.

Nicky Alexander- Childminder

I started my journey into childcare in 2003 working as a practitioner for the Family Welfare Association (later called Family Action).

It was unusual to be a male team member, but I enjoyed my days; working with a diverse community, helping in both early years and after-school provisions and working with children needing additional support. I completed my Level 3 qualification as I worked.

I have fond memories of all the training courses I was able to attend. Learning about the importance of movement on a Jabadao course, exploring the benefits of Forest Schools and understanding schemas to name but a few.

In 2006 I joined Braybrook Nursery and broadened my experience by working across a wider age range to include babies and toddlers. I continued to broaden my knowledge with training in Communicating Matters and Autism awareness

2014 saw a return to Family Action where I remain in a supportive role, working across all their settings. I enjoy working with so many different staff teams and children where I have opportunities every day to share knowledge and learn something new.

Working with parents is important to me and I can share my own personal experiences alongside my professional knowledge to offer encouragement and support. My days are varied and I enjoy the opportunities to network and offer wider support such as helping at the Local Authority START events.

Every year I host the Annual Andy Awards; an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work of our staff team.

2023 finds me still working in the job I love. It is so rewarding to bring some fun to every day and to see the children enjoying their learning

Andy Wallman-Celebrating 20 years of working in childcare