31st Jan 2025
We would like to take a moment to highlight the journeys of two of our apprentices in the Early Years sector. Both Rubie and Megan are making a significant impact in their respective nurseries, showing their passion for working with young children and also their dedication to their own learning and development.
Rubie – Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice at Willow Cottage Nursery
Rubie’s journey in Early Years started with a Level 2 apprenticeship, and has now progressed to a Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship, serving as a Deputy Team Leader at Willow Cottage Nursery. Rubie explains:
“The Level 3 apprenticeship has allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of what I learned during my Level 2, it’s given me the chance to step up and take on a leadership role in the nursery.”
As Deputy Team Leader, Rubie has a wide range of responsibilities. As well as helping the children with their development, she also supports her team in their work with the children, and in their professional development.
One of the things Rubie loves most about working at Willow Cottage Nursery is the strong connection with the children, saying: “The children’s imagination is amazing. The things they come up with every day are so creative, and it never fails to put a smile on my face.”
Rubie is also passionate about providing hands-on learning experiences for the children, adding: “We have a large outdoor area, and we base our activities around the children’s interests. For example, we grow our own vegetables here, and when our apple tree is in season, we take the children to pick apples. They love learning how to make apple crumble afterwards.”
Megan – Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprentice at Peachcroft Pre-School
Megan has been an integral part of the team at Peachcroft Pre-School for just over a year. As a Level 2 Early Years apprentice, Megan’s day-to-day responsibilities include looking after six key children. Megan explains:
“Each child at the Pre-school is allocated to a Key Worker, and I am responsible for understanding their individual needs, interests, hobbies, and any allergies.”
Megan's role involves much more than just providing care; she works closely with the children and their families, creating a trusting relationship that supports each child’s development. “I plan activities around the seasons, like an Easter egg hunt at Easter, and I always ensure that the activities I set up contribute to the children’s growth,” she adds.
In addition to her work at the pre-school, Megan attends college once a month and participates in Early Years workshops. These sessions give her the chance to focus on coursework and further her understanding of child development, all whilst working towards achieving her Functional Skills in maths.
Reflecting on her time at Peachcroft Pre-School, Megan recalls a particularly proud moment:
“When I first started, there was a child who had limited speech. Over time, and with the right support, they have become more and more talkative. I feel that I made a positive impact in that child’s development.”
A Bright Future for Early Years Apprenticeships
Both Rubie and Megan are excellent examples of how apprenticeships can provide valuable training, hands-on experience, and opportunities for career progression, whilst shaping the future of Early Years education.
By shining a light on Megan and Rubie’s inspiring stories, we hope to encourage others to consider the rewarding path of an Early Years apprenticeship, where every day offers the chance to make a lasting impact on young minds.
Discover our Apprenticeships
We are passionate about providing apprenticeships that work for both our students and our employers. Our apprenticeship provision is rated ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED, and everyday our specialist team work to uphold this standard.
If you’re interested in pursuing an apprenticeship in Early Years or would like to learn more about the apprenticeships, please have a look at the Level 2 and Level 3 in detail here.
Want to know more about our Apprenticeships and the companies we work with?
Find out more here: Apprenticeships or contact our dedicated team on 01235 216 216, email apprenticeships@abingdon-witney.ac.uk.
