Founded more than 32 years ago, Tiddlywinks has grown from a single nursery in Blackley to nine settings across the region, while maintaining the family values that have shaped the organisation since day one.

For Claire Ryan, Early Years Operations Manager, apprenticeships have always been central to that journey:

"We've watched apprentices literally from the very start of their careers progress into leadership positions. One of our current Nursery Managers started with us as an apprentice over 26 years ago and is still with us today. Another progressed into a management role before moving on to work for a local authority...

...We really value apprenticeships because they allow us to grow our own talent. We're able to develop people around our own standards, values and ethos from the very beginning."

Rather than recruiting solely qualified practitioners, Tiddlywinks actively seeks a balance between experienced professionals and apprentices, creating opportunities for people to begin rewarding careers in early years.

When recruiting apprentices, qualifications aren't the first thing the team looks for.

Instead, they're searching for enthusiasm and a genuine passion for working with children.

Area Manager Katie Cryer explained:

"We're not looking for someone who can tell us everything about early years in an interview. We're looking for someone who's enthusiastic and genuinely wants to work in the sector...

...The practical interview is the most important part because you can see how someone naturally interacts with children. That's what really stands out."

That approach has helped Tiddlywinks identify future talent while giving people the opportunity to build confidence, knowledge and practical skills throughout their apprenticeship.

At Tiddlywinks, apprentices are never expected to learn alone.

Alongside their apprenticeship training with The Growth Company, every apprentice benefits from an internal development programme that brings learners together from across all nine nursery settings.

The programme combines practical workshops, professional development and peer support, helping apprentices develop both their confidence and their technical skills.

From safeguarding and behaviour management to creating engaging learning environments and building relationships with parents, apprentices receive ongoing guidance throughout their journey.

Each apprentice is also paired with a dedicated mentor within their nursery, ensuring support is always available.

Claire said:

"It's everyone's responsibility to help our apprentices become the best practitioners they can be. It's coaching, mentoring and peer support all working together."

The regular sessions also give apprentices the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from different settings, helping them build professional relationships and develop confidence beyond their own nursery.

As Tiddlywinks has expanded across multiple locations, choosing the right training provider has become increasingly important.

For Katie and Claire, communication and flexibility are essential:

"We all want the same outcome for our apprentices, so communication between the tutor, the manager and the apprentice is really important."

The team praised The Growth Company's flexible approach, highlighting how learning is planned around the needs of each nursery rather than expecting apprentices to attend fixed college days.

Katie explained:

"The Growth Company works around what works best for each setting. If we've got annual leave or staffing pressures, sessions can be rearranged and adapted. That flexibility really helps."

The ability to combine workplace learning with online tutor support has also enabled apprentices to continue developing without unnecessary disruption to nursery life.

Like many employers across the sector, Tiddlywinks recognises the ongoing recruitment challenges facing early years.

For the team, apprenticeships aren't simply about filling vacancies - they're about strengthening the profession for the future.

By supporting new entrants into the sector and developing them into skilled practitioners, Tiddlywinks is helping build a sustainable workforce while maintaining the high standards that families have come to expect.

The nursery group also welcomes adult apprentices looking for a career change, recognising the valuable life experience they can bring into early years.