Celebrating Our Brighton Apprentices: Meet Grace and Esme

As part of our celebration for National Apprenticeship Week, we’re shining a spotlight on our incredible apprentices and their hard work. This week, we’ll be introducing some of the talented individuals at Hopscotch who are shaping the future of Early Years education. Today, meet Grace and Esme from our Brighton nursery! We asked them about their apprenticeship experience and what they love most about working with children.

Meet Grace, one of our dedicated apprentices at Hopscotch! She’s passionate about working with children and has been making a real impact in the nursery. Grace enjoys leading craft activities and has a special fondness for the games children invent during playtime. Read more about Grace’s apprenticeship journey below!

1. Why did you choose an apprenticeship in Early Years?

I’ve always wanted to work in a nursery with children. It’s something I’ve always been passionate about.

2. What does a typical day at the nursery look like for you?

I feel like I’m part of a really strong team, so we share all the jobs equally. I get the chance to do a bit of everything: planning, playing with the children, and more!

3. What’s your favourite part of the day?

I really enjoy leading activities, especially crafts.

4. What do you enjoy most about working with children?

I love all the funny and random things the children say! I just love caring for them too.

5. Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship? Why?

Yes, you get to learn on the job and gain loads of experience really quickly.

6. Can you share your fondest memory so far at Hopscotch?

A while ago, I was working one-on-one with a child, so I got to spend a lot of time with them every day. I got to know them so well, and my fondest memories are playing the games they invented.

7. Where do you see yourself professionally in five years, and do you think that’s achievable at Hopscotch?

 I’ll be qualified and hopefully will have done some SEN training too. Yes, I think that’s achievable—I’ve already learnt so much, and I know I will continue learning here.

Esme has always been passionate about Early Years education and is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the children she works with. She’s been thriving as an apprentice at Hopscotch, gaining valuable skills and insight into the world of childcare. Read on to hear more about Esme’s experience so far.

1. Why did you choose an apprenticeship in Early Years?

I want to be a teacher and wanted to learn in a hands-on way. I didn’t want to spend ages in a classroom.

2. What does a typical day at the nursery look like for you?

I help make sure all the children’s needs are taken care of. If it’s my turn to plan the activity, I will get it set up and take the lead in helping the children take part. I work in the baby room, so I get to have lots of cuddles throughout the day.

3. What’s your favourite part of the day?

I really enjoy messy play time, before the clean-up, anyway!

4. What do you enjoy most about working with children?

Watching the children learn something new for the first time is amazing.

5. Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship?

Why? Yes! It’s the best way to learn new skills and apply them straight away.

6. Can you share your fondest memory so far at Hopscotch?

When I qualified, I knew all my hard work studying had paid off.

7. Where do you see yourself professionally in five years, and do you think that’s achievable at Hopscotch?

I’ll be a teacher, and that’s definitely achievable. We have quite a few teachers here, and some of them did apprenticeships too.

Tomorrow, we’ll introduce the apprentices from our Peacehaven nursery. They’ve all been working incredibly hard, and we’re so excited to share their stories with you! Stay tuned and join us in celebrating the incredible apprentices that help make Hopscotch a special place for children to grow and learn.