The spotlight was on Early Years professionals in-training at Lavenders Day Nursery in Bedford as they were celebrated by colleagues during National Apprenticeship Week.
At the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Day Nursery on Bushmead Avenue, Apprentices; Molly Pryar, Megan Edwards, Scarlet Silous, Sakara Graham, Jhoanna Wells and Danielle Baxter were each presented with chocolate bouquets and handwritten cards of appreciation from their grateful management team, who encouraged them to aim for their jobs in future.
Also included in the festivities was colleague Karolina Rajkowska, who is currently completing her Team Leader qualification, highlighting the setting’s ongoing commitment to professional development at every stage and a ‘careers not jobs’ focus.
At the start of the week, parents shared heartfelt messages to the Apprentices, recognising the positive impact they have on both children and families. The group were then treated to a special lunch as a token of thanks, before discussing their individual journeys so far.
As part of the Childbase Partnership group, Apprentices at Lavenders gain their qualifications through the company’s in-house training centre; Edubase Academy. Here they benefit from Princess Royal Award-winning training, a comprehensive range of leadership courses, mentoring, and expert support, all whilst gaining hands-on nursery experience.
Lavenders Day Nursery Manager, Dizzie Newberry explained;
“We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our apprentices and of Karolina as she progresses with her Team Leader qualification. National Apprenticeship Week gives us the perfect opportunity to pause and recognise just how much they contribute to our nursery every single day. They are not only developing their own skills and confidence, but also making a genuine difference to the children and families we support.”
During their training days at Edubase Academy in Buckinghamshire, Apprentices benefit from inspiring learning environments, chill out zones and wellbeing amenities, including barista-style refreshments on tap and home-cooked meals, prepared by the resident chef.
Learners are supported by specialist Functional Skills tutors in Maths and English, alongside a team of experienced Childbase Partnership professionals. Many of these experts have worked across the organisation’s 43 nursery settings and provide face-to-face training, in-person observations and tailored support to help apprentices successfully achieve.
In addition to Childbase Partnership colleagues, Edubase Academy also delivers apprenticeships for individuals pursuing Early Years careers with other employers, as well as for businesses seeking a training provider. Courses include Early Years Practitioner Level 2, Early Years Educator Level 3, Team Leader Supervisor Level 5, Operations Manager Level 5, Early Years Practitioner Level 5 and Business Administrator Level 3.
National Apprenticeship Week runs from 9th February to 15th February 2026.
