Training and Professional Development Manager Review
at The Old Station Nursery
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Slough, Berkshire
Review Submitted: May 2025
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I work closely with the SLT to determine needs across the business and source development opportunities for nursery teams and support staff. I lead the delivery and management of our apprenticeships and training across the organisation and liaise closely with a number of apprenticeship and training coordinators and providers, with a focus on early years education.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I am thoroughly enjoying my programme, particularly meeting other apprentices from different sectors and learning from them and hearing the inspiring things that they have put into place in their organisations. I feel supported by my coach and have enjoyed upskilling, reading relevant research and knowing that it will have an impact on my role.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have only just started my apprenticeship but already I developing my existing skills and carving opportunities to learn from others and put myself forward to showcase what I am learning. The new skills that I will continue to be developing with support me with being more strategically focused and working more closely with the senior leaders within the organisation.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My programme is organised extremely well and this was transparent from the beginning, so that I knew what I was signing up for and how to plan for and manage my time accordingly. I had access to all the materials I needed before my first session and was onboarded well.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My line manager has been instrumental in encouraging me and supporting me to sign up to the apprenticeship and allow me opportunities to put my learning into practice and ensure that I have the time needed to put my best into the course. There are apprenticeship coordinators at my organisation who are always on hand to provide support and mentoring and liaise with my provider if needed and although I have not had to use this service yet, I know that I can and this is very reassuring.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Although I have only just started my qualification, the training provider has been fantastic in getting me onboarded, answering all my questions and starting my apprenticeship from a very positive place. I am confident in my coach in supporting me and know I could reach out at any point if needed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that my qualification aligns well with my role, and provides me with inspiration, ideas and the confidence to develop my skills and knowledge to take my practice to the next level. The modules align with the work I do on a daily basis, but give me a greater depth of understanding which motivates me to utilise and include this in my role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
I have the opportunity to attend conferences, training and professional networking events both within my organisation and the early years sector. Quarterly we have social activities and face to face team meetings, with the opportunity to develop more to meet the needs of the teams.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend The Old Station Nursery to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The Old Station Nursery really puts children, families and employees at the heart of all that it does. They are committed to developing their teams and providing training and professional development to all staff, and celebrating the progress and successes of the nurseries and teams, all of which has a huge impact on children during their important early years.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to The Old Station Nursery?
If you are thinking of a career working in the early years, I would encourage you to apply for a role at The Old Station Nursery group. There are opportunities for progression and upskilling whatever stage you are in your career and you will be supported by dedicated teams, both at the organisation and through your provider, to support you reach your career goals and make a positive impact on children's learning and development.
