Celebrating our Peacehaven Appretinces

As we continue celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, today we’re shining a spotlight on our apprentices at Hopscotch Peacehaven. Apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working towards a qualification, and we’re incredibly proud of our dedicated team.

Today, we’re introducing Emma and Charlotte, two apprentices who are passionate about Early Years education. They have been gaining valuable experience, developing key skills, and making a real difference in the lives of the children they care for.

Meet Emma

Emma has always wanted to work in childcare, and after moving to Brighton, she saw the perfect opportunity to pursue her passion through an apprenticeship. She enjoys being part of the baby room, where she loves seeing children take their first steps and develop new skills. Her favourite part of the day is dancing, music, and movement, bringing lots of fun and energy to the nursery. Emma has big aspirations for the future, aiming to achieve her Level 3 qualification and eventually work towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

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

I have always wanted to work in childcare. After working in hospitality for a while in Scotland, I moved to Brighton and saw it as the perfect opportunity to pursue a career in Early Years through an apprenticeship.

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

A typical day for me involves engaging in a variety of activities with the children, helping them learn and develop through play.

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

My favourite part of the day is dancing, music, and movement—it’s so much fun seeing the children enjoy themselves!

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

I love watching the children grow and develop new skills, especially in the baby room, where they are learning to walk.

5. Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship? Why?

I would 100% recommend an apprenticeship—it’s a great way to gain both experience and knowledge while working.

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

My fondest memory at Hopscotch is the Hopscotch Olympics. It was lovely to see parents and children from all settings come together and have fun.

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

My goal over the next five years is to qualify at Level 3 and eventually work towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Meet Charlotte

Charlotte chose an apprenticeship because she wanted to learn on the job while pursuing her dream of working with children. She loves providing exciting learning environments and supporting children in their next steps, like potty training. Her favourite part of the day is circle time, where she enjoys leading group activities and seeing children interact and help each other. Looking ahead, Charlotte hopes to continue progressing at Hopscotch, achieve her Level 3 qualification, and deepen her knowledge in Early Years education.

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

I chose an apprenticeship because I thought it would be an amazing way to learn on the job. I’ve always wanted to work with children.

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

My day involves providing children with exciting learning environments, supporting them with their next steps, such as potty training, and encouraging their development.

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

Circle time! I love having the children’s attention and focus on a game or surprise box and seeing them help each other.

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

I love teaching them and helping them grow in confidence. It’s so rewarding to see their progress.

5. Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship? Why?

Yes! I have felt so supported by the team and feel like I can continue to progress in my career.

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

My favourite memory is going on an explorers trip to the beach with the preschoolers—it was a fantastic experience!

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

I see myself continuing to work at Hopscotch, progressing towards Level 3, and continuing to develop my knowledge in Early Years.

Tomorrow, we’ll introduce the apprentices from our next Hopscotch nursery, where more fantastic apprentices are learning, growing, and making a difference every day. Stay tuned to hear their stories as we continue celebrating National Apprenticeship Week!