In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, the Best Practice Network team had the absolute pleasure of visiting two Spring by Action for Children nursery settings in Taunton. It was an exciting opportunity to reconnect with apprentices and staff and see first-hand how the Early Years apprenticeships are making such a meaningful difference for everyone involved.

We’ve been supporting Spring by Action for Children from the very start, working with their first cohort of learners, and it’s been nothing short of inspiring to see the journey unfold. Fast forward to now, and we’re thrilled to see the partnership grow with three full cohorts of Level 3 learners enrolled and thriving! This steady growth not only highlights the dedication of everyone involved but also speaks to the incredible impact that these apprenticeship programmes are having on the Early Years sector.

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Spending the day in the nurseries, we had the chance to meet with apprentices, nursery staff, and managers, gaining valuable insight into how apprenticeships are integrated into the daily life of these vibrant nurseries. It was a joyful experience, witnessing the passion and energy that everyone brings to their roles, and seeing apprentices confidently put their learning into practice. From supporting play-based activities to collaborating with colleagues, the apprentices showed real growth, professionalism, and above all, a genuine love for what they do. Many shared how the apprenticeship has not only given them the skills they need but also opened doors to long-lasting careers in Early Years education.

What truly stood out was how much apprenticeships are valued by the whole team. Nursery staff and managers spoke enthusiastically about the apprentices and how they’re vital to creating strong, dynamic teams. They highlighted apprenticeships as an excellent way to nurture talent, develop clear career pathways, and maintain high standards of care and education – all while ensuring the nurseries continue to be thriving, supportive environments for both staff and children.
And of course, the biggest impact is always on the children. The apprentices are playing such an important role in fostering a nurturing, stimulating environment where children can grow, learn, and feel supported. Their training ensures that practice is child-centred, reflective, and focused on early development – creating a solid foundation for the children’s futures.

Visiting Spring by Action for Children nurseries during National Apprenticeship Week reminded us just how much of a difference apprenticeships make – not only in the lives of the apprentices themselves but also within the settings and, most importantly, in the early experiences of the children they care for. It’s been so rewarding to see how our partnership has evolved over the years, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds as we continue to support the amazing work happening at Spring by Action for Children.

A big thank you to the teams at Spring by Action for Children for their warm welcome and for sharing their stories with us. We’re so proud to be part of this journey and look forward to the next chapter!

Want to know more about Early Years Apprenticeships?

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 Email: enquiries@bestpracticenet.co.uk

Tel: 0117 920 9200 (8.30am-5.30pm, Mon-Fri)