Bensham Grove Nursery grows talent through apprenticeships

September has arrived, and nurseries across the north-east are excited to welcome new children and families, looking forward to helping them to grow and flourish throughout the year.

Our team know that the hustle and bustle of a busy nursery can sometimes make skills shortages and recruitment challenges across the sector apparent, with many nurseries looking for a simple and effective way to recruit more staff.

At Bensham Grove Nursery School in Gateshead, apprenticeships are playing an important role in tackling those challenges, helping the nursery develop skilled, confident practitioners while creating meaningful career opportunities for local people.

Growing talent from the ground up

Bensham Grove has always maintained a distinctive approach and the highest standards of practice.

For Deputy Manager Kelly Keating, apprenticeships provide an opportunity to introduce new talent and support them in developing those standards from the very beginning.

Rather than learning about the role solely through classroom study or short placements, apprentices become part of the team from day one. They gain hands-on experience, learn the nursery's policies and procedures, and build valuable relationships with colleagues, children and families.

Kelly says: “Apprenticeships are a really good way to ‘grow your own’, building a strong staff team for the future. From day one they are working alongside experienced staff who are great role models of best practice.

“Our apprentices attend lots of valuable training as well as whole-school training and learn our policies, procedures, and the way we work – things which are very important in a childcare setting. They’re getting hands-on experience on the job, learning the day-to-day life of a nursery practitioner.

“Working full-time alongside their peers means they get to play an important role in the team, following the example of our wonderful staff.”

Exceptional support every step of the way

A successful apprenticeship depends on the right support, both in the workplace and through training providers like Learning and Skills.

“The support provided through Learning and Skills has been invaluable. From onboarding through to regular reviews and assessments, there is always someone available to offer advice, answer questions and support both the apprentice and us as the employer”, explains Kelly.

At Bensham Grove, apprentices benefit from guidance from experienced colleagues and mentors who help them develop their skills, knowledge and confidence on the job.

Alongside this workplace support, our team provides personalised guidance throughout the apprenticeship journey, for both employer and apprentice.

This combination of practical workplace learning and expert training support helps apprentices succeed while giving employers confidence that they are providing a structured, supportive environment that helps learners achieve their full potential.

Working with a trusted partner

For employers considering apprenticeships, choosing the right training provider is key.

Learning and Skills has built a strong reputation through its links with local government, established employer relationships and commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes. This trusted partnership enables employers such as Bensham Grove Nursery School to focus on developing talent in the workplace while knowing apprentices are receiving the support and training they need.

The result is a collaborative approach that benefits everyone involved, from learners taking their first steps into a career, to employers building a skilled and motivated workforce.

Investing in the future

As a new academic year begins, Kelly believes apprenticeships remain one of the most effective ways to strengthen her nursery.

By combining hands-on experience with structured learning, apprenticeships help individuals develop the confidence, skills and qualifications needed to succeed. At the same time, they give employers the opportunity to nurture talent, support career progression and create a workforce that is ready for the future.

For Bensham Grove Nursery School, the benefits are clear: apprenticeships are helping to create opportunities, develop future professionals and ensure the highest standards of care and education continue for years to come.

Could recruiting an apprentice help your school or nursery, like it did at Bensham Grove? Speak to our Business Development Officer, Olly, to see how we can help.