H iring an apprentice is brilliant for nurseries. They are eager to learn and develop their skills and work in a rewarding environment. Furthermore, they are the next generation of early years professionals. The sector has been experiencing a continual recruitment crisis, a survey from the early year’s alliance found, and apprentices are the next wave that could help combat this. An apprentice also gives a nursery the opportunity to help someone grow and, in turn, help the nursery grow.
Throughout the Banana Moon network, many of our nurseries have apprentices, we looked at a few to get their thoughts on what it is like for them.
Banana Moon Day Nursery in Kingsbury
Banana Moon Day Nursery in Kingsbury currently has one apprentice, Beth. Manager Amy shared her thoughts on what it is like having beth and some of the benefits Beth gets.
Amy also commented on our chosen partner for apprenticeships, The Childcare Company.
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The journey to opening Banana Moon Day Nursery in Nunhead
I previously worked in the finance sector which was great but I realised that it wasn’t a long-term option for me. I wanted something that was both a good investment and also something I would enjoy. Childcare became a front runner in my search for a sector but the technical hurdles of running a nursery were something that I didn’t want to navigate on my own. Franchising became a great option. I would be guided through the process and supported in dealing with things like Ofsted. Banana Moon Franchise was one of a few franchises that I looked into, but they shone above the rest. When I had my meeting with Mark and Mike they left me with a great impression of the company.
My confidence in Banana Moon Franchise has grown over the years. From when we opened our doors in 2012 to now, the support team has been excellent! I began the nursery while continuing to work in finance and was supported through this, but soon after realised that If I wanted the nursery to thrive I needed to give my all to it. Having my attention on the nursery full time meant I could see where we needed to improve and make those changes quickly. What I love about Banana Moon is that each nursery still has its own individual personality which shines through. At Banana Moon in Nunhead, we have had our fair share of struggles, but we have come out stronger. That is also down to the support team who have guided us through.
” I have worked closely with The Childcare Company which is who Beth is doing her apprenticeship with, and they have sent over lots of really good ideas, and lots of things for me to fill out and lots of tips and tricks for me to help Beth. What they give us is very valuable and the help they give apprentices in Early years is great.”
Banana Moon Day Nursery in Baddesley Ensor
C urrently, they have Amy, Yvie, and Kim completing their Level 3 apprenticeship. When asking them about their experience they said:
“the best part was having hands-on experience alongside gaining a higher level qualification. Through Banana Moon, our confidence has grown and we have been shown what it really is like to work in a Nursery environment. We enjoy the support that we are given at Nursery and the scheduled time to complete our coursework. Being a key person helps us to understand the link between theory and practice that we are taught. Also being part of such a friendly and supportive team has really helped complete tasks that are set, we never feel like we’re an inconvenience and are completely part of the Banana Moon Family”
B ecky, Nursery Manager at Banana Moon Day Nursery in Walsall not only has experienced putting her staff through an apprenticeship but also through completing her own. Here’s what she had to say:
“We have had a very positive experience with apprentices here at Banana Moon Walsall, we have had a mixture of both young and mature candidates. I feel that this was the right mix. Having apprentices within the setting allows us to grow and develop the next generation of early years professionals while allowing them to earn, learn and gain valuable experience to take them through their careers. As an early years manager, having apprentices allows me to share my enthusiasm and passion with them, and this isn’t always something that you are able to see or gain when going to do your course at college.
Personally, I am also completing a course with the childcare company which is my level five in operational management. The support which you receive is brilliant, nothing is ever too much trouble, with around-the-clock support. ”
What to do if you want to take on an apprentice
For all of your apprenticeship needs, The Childcare Company is our chosen provider. They work closely with our network and deliver all a nursery and apprentice needs.
