Shaping Lives, the Early Years and Childcare brand of Paragon Skills, is proud to announce its successful reaccreditation to the Matrix Standard; the international benchmark for organisations delivering high-quality information, advice, and guidance (IAG).

As part of the Knovia Group, Shaping Lives benefits from shared business support functions while maintaining a clear focus on delivering outstanding teaching, learning, and guidance to learners and employers across the Early Years sector. This reaccreditation reflects the organisation’s commitment to helping individuals explore, achieve, and excel in their chosen career paths.

 

Sector-specific expertise

Paragon Skills has formalised its sector-specific approach with two distinct brands:

  • Paragon Skills for Care – focused on Adult Social Care
  • Shaping Lives for Early Years – focused on Early Years and Residential Childcare

Since its last Matrix assessment in 2022, formally as Paragon Skills; Shaping Lives has undergone significant transformation, approaching it’s 1st anniversary as an Early Years apprenticeship provider, With 20 years of experience in the early years sector (originally delivered through Paragon Skills). The move to a sector-led structure has enabled the development of deep industry expertise, with staff specialising in Early Years and Residential Childcare. This has enhanced the quality of IAG provided to learners, employers, and internal colleagues.

Learners consistently praised the knowledge and experience of their tutors, while staff highlighted the benefits of focusing on a discrete suite of standards. Leaders were described as “well connected,” ensuring teams receive timely updates and insights from across the sector.

 

Growth and innovation

Shaping Lives now supports over 3,500 learners, including around 1,200 undertaking Residential Childcare programmes. The introduction of Elevate Programmes, blending online workshops and e-learning, has transformed delivery and created new opportunities for peer-to-peer IAG.

The organisation’s in-house Recruitment Service offers free support to employer partners, reducing costs and improving onboarding. Dedicated Business Development and Client Relationship Teams provide tailored IAG to employers, covering funding, eligibility, programme content, and strategic workforce planning.

Inclusive and impactful IAG

Shaping Lives has invested significantly in its Additional Learning Support (ALS) and Functional Skills Teams, ensuring inclusive support for learners with diverse needs. All learners are encouraged to complete a Cognassist assessment, which identifies support needs and offers resources on topics such as stress management and bereavement.

The Time for M.E (Maths & English) initiative promotes functional skills as a tool for career development, even when not required by the programme. Learners are encouraged to engage with these subjects to support their own children, pursue promotions, or build confidence.

Innovative roles such as Workshop Tutors, Development Coaches, and Quality Improvement Coaches enhance learner support and staff development. Creative online modules like Me’n’U embed IAG in engaging formats, supporting learners with topics such as wellbeing, communication, and EPA preparation.

 

What’s working well

The Matrix assessment highlighted several strengths:

  • The sector-based structure and reduced standards have improved IAG quality
  • Staff development is a priority, supported by platforms like LITMOS and strong internal communications
  • A positive, supportive culture empowers staff and learners alike
  • The graduate scheme helps train industry professionals into teaching roles
  • Learners praised their Personal Tutors for being accessible, supportive, and trusted sources of guidance
  • Significant investment in ALS and Functional Skills ensures inclusive support, especially for learners with English as an additional language or learning differences.

Staff described how rapport-building is key to effective IAG, especially for learners who may be hesitant to seek help. Tutors were seen as “critical friends” who provide trusted, impartial advice in a safe and respectful environment.

 

Demonstrated impact

Shaping Lives tracks learner outcomes through J2 Research, showing:

  • 79% remain in employment (16+ hours/week)
  • 95% report improved job performance
  • 53% received a pay rise or promotion
  • 65% achieve a merit or distinction
  • 90% progress to a positive destination

 

Learner feedback confirms the value of IAG:

  • 83% felt enrolment provided the information they needed
  • 81% said IAG helped them discover their ambitions
  • 82% felt guided on how to achieve them

 

Roger Chapman, Head of the Matrix Service for The Growth Company, said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for Shaping Lives and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service and a focus on continuous improvement, all underpinned by effective use of the resources available.  The matrix Standard is designed to benchmark organisations against best practice in these areas. With their accreditation success, Shaping Lives is working to provide the best possible support to their clients.”

 

Graham Heath, Head of Quality at Paragon Skills, added:

“At Shaping Lives, we’re committed to delivering a Careers, Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) programme that is accessible, impartial, and consistent. We take pride in encouraging individuals to be ambitious and supporting them to achieve their educational and career goals. Achieving the Matrix Standard is a reflection of that commitment. Our learners and employers can expect a rich, skills-focused curriculum designed to support lifelong learning and meaningful employment. We aim to develop confident professionals and valued members of society, delivered through experienced staff who treat every individual with respect and dignity.”

For more information about the Matrix Standard, visit www.matrixStandard.com.