News

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced yesterday an ambitious milestone that seeks to improve early years education, aiming to increase the...

Sarah Arnesen

We’re thrilled to introduce you to Arti the Orangutan, Shaping Lives’ very own mascot and the heart of our mission!...

Sarah Arnesen

Thinking about starting your career or taking it to the next level? You’re in the right place! Apprenticeships are a...

Sarah Arnesen

Guest blog by Amy Baines, Childcare Personal Tutor at Shaping Lives After spending many years in the early years sector,...

Sarah Arnesen

All articles

Woman talking to children

Spring Forward: Strengthen your nursery team with apprenticeships

As the seasons shift and we welcome the energy of spring, it’s a natural moment to pause, reflect, and look...
women sat with children

Exciting news! Babington joins Knovia – Strengthening our impact together

At Shaping Lives, we believe in the power of skills, growth, and opportunity. That’s why we’re thrilled to share some...
Woman talking to child

Celebrating National Early Years Teacher Day: Honouring the architects of young minds

At Shaping Lives, we believe in the profound impact that early childhood educators have on shaping the future. National Early...
Woman sat playing with children

Understanding commercial courses: Unlocking your potential in Early Years Education

In today’s fast-paced job market, staying ahead means keeping your skills fresh and relevant—especially in the childcare sector. If you’re...
Women sat reading to children

Spring into Success: How apprenticeships drive recruitment, retention, and employee growth in Early Childhood Education

As spring ushers in new beginnings, it’s a timely reminder of how apprenticeships are blossoming in the early childhood education...
Woman set with children

Minimum Wage Increase in the UK – Effective 1st April 2025: What It Means for Apprentices

Great news for apprentices across the UK! From 1st April 2025, the National Minimum Wage will rise, and that includes...
Children in a circle

Supporting Early Years Educators and Children: A Response to the New “School-Readiness” Skills Announcement

Supporting Early Years Educators and Children: A Response to the New “School-Readiness” Skills Announcement  By Mark Botha, CEO of Shaping...
Woman sat on laptop

The Functional Skills Reform: What It Means for Your Apprentices in Early Years Education

The government has recently announced an immediate reform to the exit requirements for adult apprenticeships (19+). As part of this...
Teacher with kids

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerating Action for Equality

International Women’s Day, celebrated worldwide on March 8th, is a powerful reminder of the strides women have made and the...
Woman set with children

Embracing Optimism: Navigating Blue Monday with a Positive Mindset

Each year, the third Monday in January is often labelled “Blue Monday” – the day believed to be the most...
Man helping children with work

Embrace 2025: Take the first step towards a bright future with an apprenticeship

As the New Year begins, it’s not just about celebrating fresh starts—it’s about seizing the moment to create new opportunities...
Children painting at Christmas

Shaping a brighter future for your business with apprenticeships

As the festive season approaches, there’s no better time to think about the future of your nursery. What if, this...
Woman talking to child

The Gift of Support: Why Reaching Out Matters This Christmas

For many, Christmas is a time for joy, connection, and celebration. Yet, for those facing mental health struggles such as...
Nursery

Embrace the Festivities: Staying Motivated Through the Christmas Season

The Christmas season is filled with magic, bringing joy and celebration into our lives. But while we embrace the festive...
Girl sat down at nursery at Christmas time

A Christmas Gift that Lasts: Apprenticeships for a Thriving Career

This Christmas, why not give yourself—or someone else—a gift that lasts? Apprenticeships are more than just a path to a...
Man helping children with work

School readiness milestone announcement

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced yesterday an ambitious milestone that seeks to improve early years education, aiming to increase the...
Group of children in nursery at Christmas

Unlock Your Potential This Christmas: The Time for Training is Now

As the Christmas season draws near, it’s easy to think about putting everything on pause and enjoying some well-earned downtime....
Children in a circle

Anti-Bullying Week: Shaping Lives with Kindness, Respect, and Empowerment

At Shaping Lives, we believe that every individual deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. Our mission goes beyond supporting...
Woman sat on laptop

The Functional Skills Reform: What It Means for Your Apprentices in Early Years Education

The government has recently announced an immediate reform to the exit requirements for adult apprenticeships (19+). As part of this...
Teacher with kids

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerating Action for Equality

International Women’s Day, celebrated worldwide on March 8th, is a powerful reminder of the strides women have made and the...
teacher-toddler-playing-with-maths-puzzle-game-sitting-table-nursery

Shape Tomorrow, Today: The Value of Apprenticeships for Your Career

In today’s competitive job market, standing out and gaining hands-on experience is more important than ever. One of the most...
Teacher with kids

National Careers Week 2025: Shape Your Future with Confidence

Choosing a career can be one of the most exciting yet daunting decisions we make. Whether you’re stepping into the...
Valentines

Rekindle the Spark: Finding Your Perfect Match in Early Years Apprenticeships this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate love and connections—whether it’s between individuals, businesses, or even educational teams. For...
Apprentice stood in nursery

Top 10 Reasons to Kickstart Your Career with an Apprenticeship in 2025

Are you ready to shape your future? Whether you’re looking to level up in your current role or change career...
Group of small nursery school children with teacher indoors in classroom, using laptop.

Kickstart Your Career with an Apprenticeship: Your Guide to Getting Started

Embarking on a new career or taking the next step in your journey can be exciting—and we get it, the...
Woman sat on floor with children

Shaping Lives partner with Care Leaver Covenant to empower care leavers through apprenticeships

At Shaping Lives, we believe in the power of education and opportunity to shape the future workforce. Through our partnership...
Woman sat with children

Unlocking Opportunities with the Apprenticeship Levy: A Game-Changer for Your Nursery Team 

The world of apprenticeships is full of exciting potential for both individuals looking to develop their skills and for businesses...
Woman talking to children

Apprenticeships unleashed: Your pathway to professional growth with Shaping Lives

Are you ready to carve out your dream career in early childhood education or elevate your skills in your current...

Shaping young minds: Start your childcare career with Shaping Lives

Shaping Young Minds: Start Your Childcare Career with Shaping Lives In today’s fast-paced world, successful organisations know that training and...
Woman smiling with children

Fostering education: Discover our enhanced teaching assistant level 3 apprenticeship

At Shaping Lives, we’re thrilled to offer an in-depth look at our Teaching Assistant Level 3 apprenticeship programme. This thoughtfully...
Woman talking to children

Spring Forward: Strengthen your nursery team with apprenticeships

As the seasons shift and we welcome the energy of spring, it’s a natural moment to pause, reflect, and look...
women sat with children

Exciting news! Babington joins Knovia – Strengthening our impact together

At Shaping Lives, we believe in the power of skills, growth, and opportunity. That’s why we’re thrilled to share some...
Woman talking to child

Celebrating National Early Years Teacher Day: Honouring the architects of young minds

At Shaping Lives, we believe in the profound impact that early childhood educators have on shaping the future. National Early...
Woman sat playing with children

Understanding commercial courses: Unlocking your potential in Early Years Education

In today’s fast-paced job market, staying ahead means keeping your skills fresh and relevant—especially in the childcare sector. If you’re...
Women sat reading to children

Spring into Success: How apprenticeships drive recruitment, retention, and employee growth in Early Childhood Education

As spring ushers in new beginnings, it’s a timely reminder of how apprenticeships are blossoming in the early childhood education...
Woman set with children

Minimum Wage Increase in the UK – Effective 1st April 2025: What It Means for Apprentices

Great news for apprentices across the UK! From 1st April 2025, the National Minimum Wage will rise, and that includes...
Children in a circle

Supporting Early Years Educators and Children: A Response to the New “School-Readiness” Skills Announcement

Supporting Early Years Educators and Children: A Response to the New “School-Readiness” Skills Announcement  By Mark Botha, CEO of Shaping...
man helping children count

Shaping bright futures: Supporting men in early years education

Guest Blog by Claudio Sisera, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs When we think of...