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Looking for a rewarding career that makes a real impact? Join our Shaping Lives apprenticeship programme and become part of a passionate community dedicated to shaping the future of childcare. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upskill, our apprenticeships offer hands-on experience, expert guidance, and the opportunity to work in nurturing environments.
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Looking ahead to 2026, our year in numbers
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Employer
A new year always brings a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead. As we step into 2026, it feels right to take stock of what has been achieved, not just in numbers, but in people, progress, and potential. Because behind every statistic is a learner building confidence, an employer strengthening their team, and a…
The Role of Apprenticeships in Early Years Education
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Employer
Apprenticeships play a powerful role in early years education. They bring together passion and growth, supporting nurseries, apprentices, children, and communities at the same time. At Shaping Lives, we see every day how apprenticeships help build confident professionals, stronger teams, and high-quality early years settings that children can thrive in. Here’s why apprenticeships matter, and…
Two ways to upskill your team in 2026
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Careers
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Employer
At Shaping Lives, we believe that every child deserves the very best start in life, and that begins with highly skilled, confident educators. As we step into 2026, the early years sector faces growing expectations for quality education and inclusive practice. For nursery employers, investing in your team isn’t just about meeting requirements, it’s about…
How to hire a childcare apprentice in the UK, funding, training & guide for nurseries
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Employer
Grow your team, grow your impact – Find out How to hire a childcare apprentice Finding skilled, passionate early years educators can be challenging. A childcare apprenticeship helps you develop loyal, qualified staff while creating long term stability for your nursery. At Shaping Lives, we’re experts in helping nurseries start and manage apprenticeship programmes that…
What Employers Can Do to Support More Men in Early Years
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Employer
With the Department for Education’s “Do Something Big” campaign putting male recruitment in early years back in the spotlight, now is the perfect time for us as employers to reflect on how welcoming and inclusive our settings truly are. Encouraging more men into the workforce isn’t just about ticking a diversity box – it’s about…
We’ve joined the Moving On Up Network — Because every young person deserves a fair start
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Employer
At Shaping Lives, we’re here to do just that, shape lives. And for us, that means working hard to open doors, remove barriers, and help more young people discover what they’re capable of. That’s why we’re proud to share that we’ve joined the Moving On Up network — a growing group of organisations committed to improving…
Nurturing loyalty: How apprenticeships help your nursery team grow and stay
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Employer
Spring is the perfect time for fresh thinking, and for nurseries, that can mean renewing your commitment to your team. When you invest in their development, you’re not just building skills- you’re building loyalty, confidence, and a culture of care that children (and staff) thrive in. Apprenticeships help your nursery team grow and stay, but…
Let’s Get Connected: Celebrating Learning at Work Week 2025 with Shaping Lives
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Employer
Learning at Work Week is just around the corner—taking place from 12–18 May 2025—and here at Shaping Lives, we’re proud to be part of it. This national celebration is all about shining a light on lifelong learning in the workplace. It’s a brilliant chance for employers and employees alike to pause, reflect, and think about…
Planting the future: How apprenticeships help Your nursery team thrive
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Employer
As spring breathes new life into the world around us, it’s the perfect time to reflect on growth—of children, of teams, and of your setting. Just as a well-tended garden needs the right conditions to flourish, so does your nursery workforce. At Shaping Lives, we know that when you invest in people, great things grow,…
A fresh start this spring: Invest in your growth with Shaping Lives
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Employer
Spring is all about fresh starts—and if you’ve been thinking about investing in yourself and your future, now’s the perfect moment. At Shaping Lives, we support people just like you to grow their confidence, upskill, and shape a fulfilling career in early childhood education. Whether you’re returning to work, changing paths, or already working in…
