Early Years Apprentice Review

Caring for different ages of children from birth to 5, meeting their everyday needs and building new relationships with children, staff and parents while learning the knowledge on the job. Tasks include nappy changing, bottle feeding, sleeping checks, meal prepping, playing and having fun! There are a lot of responsibilities including to lead good practice and work as a team to promote the children's safety, health and wellbeing while developing their own learning. Setting up activities, observations, being aware of allergies, courses to complete but this all builds knowledge within the childcare sector.

Most skills and tasks I complete daily are all new to me, but I am confident enough due to the support given such as nappy changing, hand overs with parents and during staff meetings. By learning CPD and reflective practice on this course, it has helped build my knowledge and made me aware of how to preform better practice.

The programme is set up accordingly in line with what you need to know, preparing you for the EPA, with observations, professional discussions and assessments/ tasks. Support from tutors are a massive help, as well as within the nursery itself from staff.

Assessments and meetings with tutors are monthly, allowing enough time for the work and tasks to be completed, with the correct support and resources. It allows enough 'off the job' time to log the hours showing what new skills I have learnt along this apprenticeship journey, preparing me for the EPA.

The support is more than enough, as everyone is kind, and willing to help due to their qualifications, answering any questions or queries I may have during the apprenticeship. Any task I have trouble with there will always be someone to go to, providing the correct knowledge and skills and resources for evidence.

Emails are always answered, meetings are always on time and not stressful or rushed, my tutor and the company is more than helpful to do and provide the help whenever asked for. Tasks are always explained in detail, along with the criteria that needs meeting, with examples and resources of sheets needed for the tasks or assignments.

It has given me a guide and chance to better my practice, learning new skills and knowledge everyday, being productive and aware of my responsibilities while earning towards a qualification. Support is always offered and more than enough from tutors, staff and the company and it's provider. It has helped me perform better due to it being set and having deadlines, ticking off the criteria by each assessment, working towards the EPA.

There are many webinars you can attend, along with workshops, online learning courses and visits to other local places involved such as the pre schools or sister nursery's.

Yes

The company is friendly, supportive and have great resources within the nursery, providing outstanding care for the children with highly qualified staff. The company also has great benefits they offer such as PerkBox, and family discount within the nursery's company.

Be yourself, push yourself to complete and achieve the qualifications because it gives you so many new skills and builds your knowledge everyday, as well as meeting new people who are so lovely and welcoming.