Congratulations!

Amber Marley

Amber is currently studying her Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5. Amber’s tutor said “Amber has been a stand out learner from the moment I signed her up, throughout her level five she has had high quality work and really wants to develop her knowledge and skills. Amber has implemented changes across the setting and school and been able to take her new knowledge to the head teacher to implement policy changes. Amber has a wonderful approach with the children; she has been able to demonstrate high quality practice across her team and not only implements changes but also works with the team to ensure they have a say.”

Lousie Mason

Louise is currently studying her Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship. Louise’s tutor said “Both myself and the setting are extremely proud of Louise. Louise has gone above and beyond with her work, putting in time, effort and outstanding commitment.”

Charley Young

Charley is currently studying her Level 3 Lead adult care worker apprenticeship. Charley’s tutor said “Charley is a hardworking and caring learner who consistently goes the extra mile to support the adults in her care. Charley takes pride in her written work and always strives to produce work to a high standard. Despite feeling anxious about her Level 2 Functional Skills Maths exam, she remained determined and, through her hard work and the support of her assessor and Functional Skills Officer, successfully achieved a pass.”

Brooke Pennock

Brooke is currently studying her Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship. Brooke’s tutor said “Brooke initially took some time to find her confidence and settle into her learning, but month by month she made consistent improvements. Her progress was clearly recognised by both her manager and me as her tutor.

As she approaches the end of her apprenticeship and prepares for her EPA, Brooke has recently been promoted to Room Leader, a fantastic achievement that reflects how far she has come, both professionally and personally.”

Charlie Stuttle

Charlie is currently completing her End Point Assessment for the Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 qualification and was nominated by her tutor who said, “After returning to study following a long break since completing her Level 3, Charlie has shown real determination and resilience. She has grown into a reflective practitioner who not only looks at how she can improve but actively makes changes that benefit the wider setting”

Rachel Dench

Rachel is completing the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship and was nominated by her tutor, who said that “Rachel started at Little Pals Nursery as a level 2 apprentice and then progressed to the Level 3 where she gained confidence to become the operations manager. Rachel has shown how progression is possible with the hard work she has put in and is now developing her career with completing the Early Years Level 5 standard. Rachel is a proactive manager and supports the apprentices in the setting with her knowledge and practice she has developed over the years. Rachel has shown how small steps can lead to bigger things. Rachel is a great learner and I am proud to have supported her over the years and I am now supporting her with the Level 5. Well done Rachel super proud of your achievements over the years!”

Vicky Samuels

Vicky is completing the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship and was nominated by her tutor, who said that “Since day one of her course, Vicky has been a pleasure to have. Vicky is motivated and dedicated to her course, she produces high quality work each month meets all her deadlines. Vicky is well-prepared for each visit and her observations are wonderful; she shows good practical skills and all her interactions with the children are meaningful. I wish Vicky had more confidence with her own ability as she is truly inspiring when with the children”. Vicky’s workplace added “Vicky is wonderful! She builds brilliant relationships with the children in the nursery. She goes above and beyond for the children and has recently decorated all the nursery windows with beautiful Julia Donaldson inspired artwork. We are lucky to have her!”

Kostadina Katsakiori

Kostadina is completing the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship and was nominated by her tutor, who said that “Kosta approaches every task with positivity, curiosity, and a real desire to do her very best. She has faced challenges with resilience and an open mind, always taking feedback on board and using it to grow even further. It’s been wonderful to watch her confidence bloom, her skills strengthen, and her passion for learning shine through. Kosta has not only developed within herself but has also become a warm and supportive presence among her peers. I am incredibly proud of how far she has come and truly believe she deserves to be recognised for her hard work throughout this journey”.

Summer Kent

Summer is completing the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship and was nominated by her workplace, who said that “Summer joined our team in August 2024, straight after finishing school, to begin her childcare apprenticeship. From day one, she has showed outstanding focus and determination. Summer is caring, kind, and always willing to help others. She has built such wonderful bonds with the children and has developed strong, trusting relationships with their families. She consistently goes above and beyond, planning activities that are not only engaging but also creative and exciting—sparking genuine enthusiasm and joy in the children. Her positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and dedication to her apprenticeship is truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of everything Summer has achieved so far, and we are excited to watch her continue to grow and thrive in her career”.

Emma Bartlett

Emma is completing the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and was nominated by her tutor, who said that “Emma is an inspirational practitioner and a fantastic role model for the children she works with, demonstrating professionalism, positivity, and genuine care. As a colleague, she excels in teamwork – always willing to support others and share her knowledge to help fellow apprentices succeed. Her commitment to her own studies has been exceptional. She has gone above and beyond with her written work, completing tasks ahead of schedule with high standards of quality”.

Emma Murrell

Emma is completing the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and was nominated by her workplace director, who said that “Emma has been part of the Pumpkins family for nearly 30 years. She first joined us at just 16, after facing discrimination elsewhere. Another setting suggested that, because of her needs, she might be “better suited” to working in a supermarket. Emma was heartbroken by this, but she never allowed it to deter her from the career she was determined to pursue. Now, in her 40s, Emma is fully first-aid trained, Level 3 safeguard qualified, and currently working toward her Level 3 childcare qualification. The children and staff absolutely adore her, and she is truly one of Pumpkins’ greatest assets. Over the years, Emma’s confidence has grown a hundredfold. Her decision to take on this qualification is a testament to her strength, bravery, and determination. Pumpkins simply would not be Pumpkins without her!”

Emma O’Donoghue

Emma is completing the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship and was nominated by her tutor, who said that “Emma goes above and beyond each month with her amazing written work. Her work is always well detailed, well researched and uses her own knowledge and skills from her setting to enhance her writing. In practice, Emma is always professional and caring, she has amazing bonds with the children in her care who all clearly adore her and engage well with her. Emma also showed calmness and composure during a recent VTS Ofsted inspection, and took the time to engage with the inspector. Emma is a wonderful practitioner and fantastic student”.

Wafa Hussein

Wafa is completing the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship and was nominated by her workplace manager, who said that “Wafa joined our team on 4th January 2024 and immediately settled in. From the start Wafa has shown she is focused and driven, she can prioritise time for tasks and ensures she completes tasks set in a timely manner. Wafa is such a warm, caring and approachable person and the children absolutely adore her. She thrives on making others happy, sharing positivity and never complains about anything. Wafa knows her key children, their starting points, their next steps, progress they have made and what she would like them to achieve next”.

Amy Wood

Amy is completing the Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Care apprenticeship and was nominated by her tutor, who said that “Amy sets the standards high with what is expected at work and is a great role model for newer members of staff. Amy goes above and beyond completing her work each month, she always completes work in a timely manner and Amy has been working on the distinction criteria to plan and prepare her for end point assessment to hopefully achieve a distinction”.

Anabelle Desvaux

Anabelle is completing the Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Care apprenticeship and was nominated by her tutor, who said that “Anabelle puts 100% into her written work and enrichment tasks each month. She works hard with me to plan and complete all observations needed towards her course, she always supports her team and her service users and is working within their best interest. Anabelle is always trying to improve and push herself to excel further”.