Apples and Pears Nursery Named Total People Employer of the Month

Apples and Pears Nursery has been named Total People’s latest Employer of the Month, in recognition of its outstanding commitment to developing apprentices and creating an inclusive environment where learners can thrive. 
 

Based in Cheshire, Apples and Pears has built a strong reputation for supporting apprentices at every stage of their journey. With 17 current apprentices across programmes including Level 2 Early Years Practitioner, Level 3 Early Years Educator and Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner, the nursery continues to invest in developing the future workforce of the early years sector. 
 

At the heart of the nursery’s success is its people-first approach. Led by owner Sue and Nursery Manager Rachel Smith, apprentices receive dedicated study time, personalised mentoring and regular feedback to support their progress and professional development. Learners also have access to quiet training spaces, enhanced in-house learning opportunities and additional training designed to help them build confidence and develop new skills. 
 

What makes Apples and Pears stand out is its commitment to ensuring every apprentice has the support they need to succeed. The nursery takes a tailored approach to learning, making reasonable adjustments where required and providing one-to-one support to help remove barriers. One example highlighted during the nomination was the nursery purchasing blue paper to print learning materials for a learner who found online learning challenging, helping to improve engagement and support continued progress. 
 

The nursery’s inclusive culture extends beyond learning and development. Apprentices are valued members of the team and their achievements are regularly recognised. During National Apprenticeship Week, learners received care packages as a thank you for their hard work and commitment, helping to create a positive environment where apprentices feel appreciated and motivated. 
 

Apples and Pears has also developed a strong, longstanding partnership with Total People, spanning many years. The team consistently engages with apprenticeship reviews, feedback groups, improvement initiatives and promotional activities, demonstrating a genuine commitment to supporting apprenticeships both within their own organisation and across the wider sector. 
 

Their dedication to apprenticeship success has made a lasting impact on countless learners, helping individuals gain valuable knowledge, build confidence and progress their careers in early years education. 

Speaking about the award, the team at Apples & Pears said: 

Apples & Pears is thrilled to have received this award! We take great pride in having apprentices, as it allows them to learn while they train, and helps us shape our staff to fit our organisation's values. Rachel and Simone are a pleasure to work with; they have offered fantastic support to both our team and the apprentices, making sure they have the time and guidance they need to thrive.

Congratulations to everyone at Apples and Pears Nursery on being named our Employer of the Month. 

Thank you for your continued support of apprenticeships and for creating opportunities that help learners grow, develop and achieve their full potential. 
 

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