Grow Your Career with Dean Close Little Trees Apprenticeships
Dean Close Little Trees offer a comprehensive apprenticeship program designed to support professional growth and skill development. By partnering closely with local colleges and training providers, we ensure apprentices receive a well-rounded education and hands-on experience in early years.
Working in childcare can be incredibly rewarding and by choosing this career you have a unique opportunity to shape young minds and contribute towards their development. You will help children develop social, emotional, cognitive and physical skills as you support the children to grow, learn and reach their developmental milestones. We hope that the apprenticeship scheme that we offer will build a long and successful career at Little Trees Nurseries.
Ruby’s journey with Dean Close Little Trees is a wonderful example of how apprenticeships can inspire confidence, nurture talent, and build fulfilling careers in early years education.
Ruby first met the Little Trees team at an apprenticeship event held at Gloucestershire College. That initial meeting marked the beginning of what has grown into an inspiring and successful early years journey. After reconnecting with us at Little Trees Christ Church, Ruby officially joined the team at Little Trees Hucclecote, where she began her apprenticeship with enthusiasm and determination.
During her time with us, Ruby completed her Level 2 NVQ Early Years Educator, achieving an outstanding distinction. This fantastic achievement reflects not only her academic ability, but also her commitment to learning, professional growth, and delivering high-quality care for young children.
When Ruby first started, she described herself as a nervous apprentice. Through hands-on experience, expert mentoring, and her own hard work, she has developed into a confident, passionate, and highly skilled early years educator. She now supports children’s learning and development with warmth, creativity, and professionalism, promoting their all-round development every day.
Ruby’s success story highlights the power of apprenticeships at Dean Close Little Trees, providing young children
with the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive environment.
We are incredibly proud of Ruby and look forward to seeing her continue to flourish in her early years career.
Inspired by Ruby’s journey?
Our apprenticeships offer a supportive pathway into early years education, combining real-world experience with recognised qualifications and the chance to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives.
We asked our apprentices a some questions to give you an insight into our apprenticeship Programme.
Dean Close Little Trees – Apprenticeship FAQ
Approximately 1–2 years, depending on which level you want to take.
Really useful, helpful, and educational. I had a strong support system with the team I worked alongside. It was insightful, and I was eager to learn from the very beginning.
Yes! It’s a great way to start a career in childcare. Having on-the-job experience opened my eyes to day-to-day nursery life. The course is tailored to your needs, and the college were extremely helpful.
On-the-job experience really developed my confidence and helped me learn to work with children and peers. The hands-on approach suited me and shaped me into the educator I am today.
I learned about children’s developmental stages. It showed me how independent children can be from a young age and how we can contribute to their growth into confident, caring young people.
Building bonds and watching children grow. Seeing the impact I’ve made is truly inspiring.
Yes – towards the end of the course.
Yes. I completed the Level 2 course and plan to continue to Level 3 in the future.
I continue to care for and support children’s development. I’ve gained new skills and knowledge to put into practice, and recently I’ve been promoted to Team Leader.
Setting up activities and watching the children explore and learn. Their curiosity motivates me to give my best every day.
Yes, there’s plenty of coursework and assignments. But with each task, I became more invested in shaping young minds. Childcare is my passion, and I’m so glad I chose this career path.
Are you interested in an apprenticeship at
Dean Close Little Trees?
Come along to our annual open morning and get a taste for nursery life first hand. Explore career and employment opportunities and also to ask questions about what an apprenticeship would entail.
If you are considering an apprenticeship, this event is the perfect opportunity to explore your options in a relaxed setting and we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please complete the form below to register your details and we will be in touch.
Thinking about an apprenticeship with Dean Close Little Trees?
We will be attending local careers fairs across Cheltenham and Chepstow this year to give students a chance to meet our team, ask questions, and learn what life as an apprentice with us is really like.
