Meet Our Apprentices at Hopscotch West Hove
By: Laura
February 15th 2025
Meet Our Apprentices at Hopscotch West Hove: A Journey of Growth, Learning, and Passion
At Hopscotch Children’s Nurseries, we’re proud of the talented apprentices who help shape the lives of the children in our care. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on three apprentices from our West Hove nursery: Rozzie, Nicole, and Tommy. Each of them brings something unique to the team, and they are all passionate about working with children. Let’s hear about their experiences and aspirations!
Rozzie – A Passionate Mother and Early Years Apprentice
Rozzie is a dedicated apprentice in our baby room at Hopscotch West Hove. With a passion for working with children and a background as a mother, she brings a nurturing and thoughtful approach to her role. Rozzie is committed to helping the children explore, learn, and develop through meaningful activities and outdoor adventures.
1. Why did you choose an apprenticeship in Early Years?
"I’ve always wanted to work with children, and this career really worked for me as a mother. It gave me the flexibility to learn while balancing family life."
2. What does a typical day at the nursery look like for you?
"In the baby room, I get to support the little ones during mealtimes, messy play, and garden time. Every day is full of fun activities where the children explore and learn."
3. What’s your favourite part of the day?
"I love going on trips with the babies and spending time in the garden. It’s so fulfilling to explore nature with them, especially when they’re developing their gross motor skills as they climb and play."
4. What do you enjoy most about working with children?
"It’s so rewarding to see each child grow and develop in their own way. The bonds I build with the children and their families are special, and it’s a joy to watch them learn and discover new things."
5. Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship? Why?
"Absolutely! An apprenticeship is so rewarding. You get to learn on the job, and you can see the impact of your work every day."
6. Can you share your fondest memory so far at Hopscotch?
"My fondest memory was when my key children left, so ready for school. It was amazing to see them grow and be confident as they moved on to the next chapter."
7. Where do you see yourself professionally in five years, and do you think that’s achievable at Hopscotch?
"My goal is to become a room leader, and I’d love to do that at Hopscotch. I know this is achievable here with all the support and opportunities for growth."
Nicole – Embracing the Joy of Discovery in Early Years
Nicole’s enthusiasm for working with children shines through every day at Hopscotch West Hove. As an apprentice, she loves the variety each day brings and the joy of watching the children grow, explore, and discover new things. Nicole is passionate about building strong bonds with children and their families, and she is excited about her future in Early Years education.
1. Why did you choose an apprenticeship in Early Years?
"I’ve always wanted to work with children, and by doing an apprenticeship, you can learn in a practical way while gaining hands-on experience."
2. What does a typical day at the nursery look like for you?
"Every day is so different, which is the joy of working in Early Years. I spend my time supporting children through various activities, from play to learning moments, making sure they’re developing both socially and emotionally."
3. What’s your favourite part of the day?
"My favourite part of the day is watching the children come in, excited for a new day. Their curiosity and enthusiasm are infectious, and I love seeing them explore new things."
4. What do you enjoy most about working with children?
"I really enjoy watching the children’s curiosity as they explore and learn new things. There’s always something exciting happening, and I feel privileged to be a part of their discovery process."
5. Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship? Why?
"Yes, it’s a great way of learning because you get to work as part of a team and learn on the job. It’s so fulfilling to see what you’ve learned put into practice."
6. Can you share your fondest memory so far at Hopscotch?
"My fondest memory was hosting all the children and families for our Christmas party. It was such a joyful event, and it was wonderful to see everyone come together."
7. Where do you see yourself professionally in five years, and do you think that’s achievable at Hopscotch?
"I would love to study to become an Early Years Teacher (EYT), and I believe that Hopscotch offers great opportunities for further study and development."
Tommy – Embracing New Challenges in Early Years
Why did you choose an apprenticeship in Early Years?
"I worked with lots of different age groups before, but when I moved to Brighton, I wanted to explore Early Years as I hadn’t worked with children under school age. I felt Hopscotch was the best fit for me."
What does a typical day at the nursery look like for you?
"As an apprentice and SEN support worker, every day is different, but I always go home happy and proud of the progress the children have made. I support the children 1:1, helping them with their personal development and learning."
What’s your favourite part of the day?
"My favourite part of the day is being a 1:1 support for the children. Watching them grow and achieve new milestones is incredibly rewarding."
What do you enjoy most about working with children?
"I love supporting children to make their own discoveries. It’s so fulfilling to allow them to find new things, celebrate those moments, and encourage their growth."
Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship? Why?
"Yes, it’s great to be able to put everything you’re learning into practice. The apprenticeship allows you to gain real-world experience while you study, which is so valuable."
Can you share your fondest memory so far at Hopscotch?
"My fondest memories are working 1:1 with the children and watching them reach new milestones, whether big or small. It’s such a fulfilling experience to see their development and celebrate those achievements."
Where do you see yourself professionally in five years, and do you think that’s achievable at Hopscotch?
"I’d love to train towards becoming a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), and I know this is something I could pursue at Hopscotch. The opportunities for growth here are fantastic."
We are so proud of the dedication and passion that Rozzie, Nicole, and Tommy bring to their roles each day. They are making a real difference in the lives of the children at Hopscotch West Hove, and their commitment to learning and growing is truly inspiring. If you’re considering an apprenticeship in Early Years, their stories are a great example of how this journey can help you develop professionally while making a positive impact in children’s lives. If you'd like to find about more about an apprenticeship with us please head here.
