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It’s National Apprenticeship Week, and we are introducing three Kids Planet learners who are keen to share their exciting journeys with us…
Having our own Training Academy allows us to support learners from diverse backgrounds, cultures, ages and stages in their lives. Uniquely, Kids Planet is both the employer and training provider specialising in the early years sector. We have a highly skilled training team of tutors, assessors, mentors and staff with extensive and current experience in Early Years. Our apprenticeship programmes prepare you for a long-term career with us!
Gill Mason, training academy director at Kids Planet, emphasises the importance of apprenticeships in building fulfilling careers, saying, “Apprenticeships offer the perfect mix of practical experience and structured learning. They open doors to progression and specialisation, as Laura’s journey shows. At Kids Planet, we’re proud to provide the training and support that enables our apprentices to succeed.”
Laura Hall has recently completed a Level 3 apprenticeship in Early Years Education at Kids Planet’s Woodside nursery in Bradford, and has reflected on the immense personal and professional growth she has achieved through this pathway, citing it “A literal life changing experience. Personally, I leave work every day feeling I have made a difference to young children’s lives, and professionally, I have the qualifications needed to succeed and achieve my goals.”
Starting her career at just 18, Laura details how the apprenticeship gave her the skills, confidence, and qualifications to thrive in early years education “I was initially going to apply through college, but the apprenticeship felt like the right fit for me,” explains Laura, “I learn better by doing, and the chance to gain hands-on experience while earning a salary was a huge bonus. It allowed me to start my life and career straight away.”
Laura’s story highlights why apprenticeships are a viable and rewarding option for anyone looking to pursue a career in early years education. Over three years, she worked closely with the preschool room team, developing practical skills by supporting children’s independence and preparing them for school. From teaching children how to set dinner tables to helping them put on coats, Laura ensured her young learners were ready for the next step in their education. “The best thing about an apprenticeship is that you’re learning on the job,” Laura shares, “You’re building connections, gaining practical experience, and getting qualified. It’s both challenging and incredibly rewarding.”
Laura details how Kids Planet supported her through her qualification, explaining, ““Balancing the demands of studying and working in a busy nursery was definitely a challenge at first. But over time, thanks to my Kids Planet colleagues around me, I learned how to manage my time effectively, and the hands-on experience really helped me stay motivated and focused. I have my team and Kids Planet to thank for my success.”
What next?
Now a preschool room leader, Laura is looking forward to continuing her development after maternity leave by pursuing a Level 5 qualification with a focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Her passion for supporting SEND children has grown throughout her apprenticeship, and she is eager to specialise further “There’s always more to learn when it comes to SEND, and I want to make sure every child gets the tailored support they need to thrive,” she says.
Laura’s advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship in early years education is simple, “Just go for it. You’ll grow in confidence, learn so much about yourself, and most importantly, make a real difference in children’s lives.”
Sienna Moran Lloyd, a dedicated apprentice at Kids Planet’s Chester nursery, has successfully completed her Level 3 apprenticeship and has reflected on the transformative experience that has set her on a long and rewarding career path in early years education.
Sienna describes her two-year apprenticeship journey as “life-changing,” showcasing how this practical and rewarding training route can unlock many possibilities for anyone with a passion for early years education.
Starting at 18, Sienna initially lacked confidence but was quickly embraced by the supportive environment at Kids Planet. Over two years, she has grown into a skilled and confident practitioner, making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families. Speaking about her journey, Sienna said, “It’s such a rewarding career option. Every day, I get to help children reach key milestones like taking their first steps or saying their first words. Knowing I’ve made that kind of impact is what makes it all so special.”
For Sienna, choosing an apprenticeship has been more than just a training opportunity. It has also been a gateway to a meaningful and progressive career. She thanks Kids Planet for providing a structured learning environment that provided both time for practical experience and time to study. She says, “The apprenticeship gave me the chance to learn while working hands-on with children. Kids Planet provided funded study hours, additional training like WELLCOMM and WOWCon, and the support of an incredible team. It’s not just a qualification, it’s a career foundation.”
Apprenticeships are a viable option for anyone looking to build a long-term future in early years education. With pathways that allow learners to earn while they learn, they provide the skills and confidence needed to succeed in a sector that is both rewarding and essential.
Having just been promoted to senior practitioner, Sienna has ambitious plans to progress within the Kids Planet family, wishing to specialise in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). She explains, “SEND is where my heart lies. Every child deserves tailored support to help them thrive, and I want to be part of creating that impact.”
Tayyiba Nadeem, an apprentice at Kids Planet Woodside nursery, recently completed her Level 3 apprenticeship, celebrating a hands-on learning experience that has shaped both her career and her personal growth. Starting her journey in early years education with Level 2, Tayyiba chose to continue with Kids Planet, drawn to their supportive, hands-on approach that places practical experience above paperwork.
Tayyiba shares “The Kids Planet approach to apprenticeships is so hands on, and that is what I love about it, and ultimately why I decided to continue my career with them. Putting skills into practice is very different to just observing, as it gives you a chance to learn from the children, and encounter situations you simply couldn’t in a classroom environment. The support from my Kids Planet colleagues has been second to none – there is no such thing as a silly question, and it is that reassurance that makes such a difference.”
Day to day, Tayyiba’s role focussed heavily on supporting children settling into nursery life, particularly those who were extremely young, or new to group environments. Helping these children build new relationships with fellow youngsters and their practitioners meant she knew they felt safe and confident in new surroundings. Tayyiba explains, “A lot of our role is about ensuring children create a bond at nursery. It’s about knowing what they enjoy, their routines at home, and even talking to them about their weekends. That familiarity builds trust and helps children feel secure in their environment.”
Like anything new, an apprenticeship is not without its challenges. Tayyiba admits balancing coursework with her professional responsibilities was hard to adjust to at first, but credits Kids Planet on their support to help her overcome this. “The great communication and time management from my leaders at Kids Planet meant I could overcome this challenge without feeling too overwhelmed. Some of my colleagues have years, even decades, of experience, which meant I could trust them and know everything would work out. It made a real difference having this support, and I truly believe this is why I have succeeded.”
Tayyiba is now third in charge at her nursery, and sees her hard work put into practice every day at her nursery. She is considering deepening her knowledge further by pursuing a Level 5 qualification, where she would explore safeguarding and leadership skills. She is particularly passionate about her role alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), saying,
“Safeguarding is such an important part of early years education. Every child is different, and understanding their needs and the scenarios they face is critical to ensuring they’re safe and supported.”
To find out more about apprenticeships at Kids Planet, please visit the Kids Planet Training Academy, and to search careers within our nursery group, visit our Careers.
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