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Early years educator apprenticeship Review

at Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Teaching

Northolt

Review Submitted: April 2026

Overall Rating

4 /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!

4/5 - Overview of Role
5/5 - Skills Development
3.8/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

4/5
My role of an apprentice consisted of learning on the job, gathering experience and doing things that were new to me. When I first started the job, I completed paperwork and did courses that would build my knowledge and understanding. When I completed all of this, I came into the pre-school room. My room manager at the time allowed me to settle in, build bonds with the children and understand more of what I will be doing. When settled, she showed me how to correctly change nappies, serve meals, use the Famly app and many more. With time, I became more comfortable and confident and I felt as if I had found my feet in the Butterfly room. I felt excited and looked forward to seeing the children everyday and creating learning opportunities.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

4/5
I enjoy learning everyday, learning from my colleagues and the children as well! I have become very comfortable in my job role and the workplace feels like one big family. During my apprenticeship, my management really supported me with my coursework and even in teams meetings with my tutor. They gave me time to complete my work despite being slightly behind due to unfortunate circumstances. I enjoyed my course as I was given a very supportive and friendly tutor. All sessions completed with Lucy were beneficial and I felt comfortable in her meetings.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5
Becoming an early years apprentice, I gained many skills. For instance, brining creativity into the room by researching activities. Linking my practice and learning opportunities to the EYFS framework so that the children in my care have the best learning and development possible. A job in childcare allowed me to be more patient, more enthusiastic and determined to learn.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

3/5
The programme was organized well. I had regular meetings with my tutor and every session was beneficial, however at the start I had to get a new tutor as I wasn't receiving enough support. My new tutor helped me get back on track. In the beginning of my course, I struggled to use the app Aptem but my new tutor showed me how to and I learnt new digital skills.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5
My employer supported me with my coursework. She printed and send me policies and resources that supported me with my work. I was also given the help I needed when I became stuck and ensure, I always appreciated the direction given.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

5/5
I was given full support working towards my qualifications. My tutor allowed me to understand what needed to be done to get the best grade for my qualification. She pushed me and believed in me, which kept me determined.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

5/5
As a level 3 Early years practitioner, my qualification helps me to perform better in my role. I learnt a lot in my course and I am able to apply all of this knowledge and skills in my role. I feel like my apprenticeship helped me perform even better and create better standards for myself as a practitioner.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

1/5
none

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries to a friend?

Yes

Why?

Hungry Caterpillar Day Nursery feels like a home. I have built such strong relationships with my team and the children in my care. It is such a pleasure to be a teacher here at Hungry Caterpillar's. A job role that makes you feel so accomplished and special.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries?

My advice would be to not be afraid and to be willing to learn. It may be something you have never experienced before but if childcare is for you, you will know and it will be worth it!
In This Review
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