Early Years Educator (Apprentice) Review
at Raised In
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Teaching
Bristol
Review Submitted: April 2026
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 consider my apprenticeship a true and unmissable opportunity! My company, Raised In Bristol, has been extremely supportive all throughout my learning journey, accommodating for my study time and guiding me, answering to every one of my questions on the daily. I now am an accomplished learner who, thanks to the helping hand of management and colleagues, is likely to finish their apprenticeship sooner than expected!
Raised In is in continuous evolution - the conceited effort to improve the environment for the children we care for and the constant refinement of our work ethics is truly inspiring! I am proud of being part of this team and delighted to have the chance to be an apprentice here.
Raised In is in continuous evolution - the conceited effort to improve the environment for the children we care for and the constant refinement of our work ethics is truly inspiring! I am proud of being part of this team and delighted to have the chance to be an apprentice here.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I am pushing 35 and taking on an apprenticeship in early years was something I wasn't sure I could afford: most nurseries offer an apprentice position for very low pay, £8 per hour or a little more in the first year of work, as of 2026. This is a challenging undertaking for an adult with no family support living in the UK with the current cost of living. Raised In pays me a competitive salary and always has from day one (above minimum wage) allowing for a dignified quality of life. The apprenticeship itself has turned out to be smooth sailing - of course, I have to put my nose between the pages and study! My gains haven't come of their own! But of course, my progress has been heeded by the fabulous people who have given me this job and work with me four days a week. I have developed so much, professionally and on a personal level since working at Raised In. I highly recommend applying for an apprentice role here!
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I am a completely transformed person: I went from being someone with no experience in early years to a confident, knowledgeable educator who works well in a team, is organized and inspired.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
There are some points of improvement which my apprenticeship company has taken to heart and I was provided with more support and study material as requested. I also applied to do maths since I want to do my level five apprenticeship in the future. Every so often, I take part in an online class which is followed by a workbook to compile and self-study time. There are many online training classes and videos to watch, quizzes to take (and pass!) also. Furthermore, I log all the new things I learn at work as NVQ hours. My assessor catches up about my progress with me often and comes to do some observations at my workplace - this is part of the apprenticeship programme. To pass my math, I took weekly classes for close to three months and the whole thing was very thorough. My math assessor was great. Overall, I have no complaints. I might finish close to five months early, so it has worked really quite well for me.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Honestly, a lot of accommodations. My workplace doesn't have a calm study space (our staff room is 5mx4m roughly) so I am allowed to study at home the majority of time - in the quiet, with a cup of tea, which has been and still is absolutely appreciated. Not being surrounded by noise and distractions when studying has favoured my progress dramatically. This said, the apprenticeship hours are still work hours and it can happen that, when the workplace is very short staffed, you may have to leave your books to help out at work. This doesn't happen often though. Also, not every nursery is the same and I'm pretty sure most locations have a quiet place that allows for concentration and calm. I am sharing this information as to say how understanding and supportive my workplace has been of my professional development.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Lots of support and positive energy! I get prompt email responses and answers to my questions.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
100%, my acquired knowledge hasn't stayed simply as notions in my head: all I have learned has visibly enriched my performance and the quality of care I provide for the children in my nursery. From modulating my tone to giving thought-out responses, to understanding the cues of the children, what motivates their actions and reactions, I feel confident in what I do. I can visibly see that my hard work brings to positive developments
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
We are currently taking part in a baby-room network, where the various baby-room teams of the Raised-In sister schools go visit each other's rooms, give each other tips, suggestions for improvement and share knowledge. Also, we eat some pizza together by learning about some important topics concerning child development support.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Raised In to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Hands down, the best job I've ever had. The team is positive, motivated, supportive, the management is understanding and caring. Top notch.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Raised In?
Don't hesitate, come and join us!! It's a great environment where to be.
