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September is naturally a busy time across the Early Years sector.
Alongside welcoming new children and families, nursery settings may be managing staffing changes, development plans, recruitment priorities and the everyday demands of delivering high-quality care.
It is also a popular time to begin apprenticeship enrolments.
However, waiting until September to start the process can add unnecessary pressure to an already demanding month. If apprenticeships form part of your workforce development plans, you can begin the conversation, enrolment and onboarding process now.
Starting early give you more time to consider your options, check available funding and prepare each learner for a confident start.
Why Wait Until September?
September often feels like the natural point for a fresh start. New development plans are introduced, responsibilities may change and settings begin looking ahead to their priorities for the coming year.
Although you may be planning for a September start, the preparation does not need to wait until then.
Beginning earlier can help you avoid rushed decisions, reduce last-minute administration and make sure the selected programme is appropriate for both the learner and your nursery.
Your Practical Enrolment Checklist
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Review your workforce priorities
Consider what your nursery needs from its team over the coming months. Are you looking to help newer practitioner gain a recognised qualification? Do experienced team members need opportunities to strengthen their knowledge? Could future leaders benefit from structured development? Connecting apprenticeship decision to your wider workforce plan can help you invest the skills your setting genuinely needs.
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Speak with the team members you want to develop
Speak with potential leaders about their goals, current responsibilities and the areas in which they would like to progress. This conversation can help identify a programme that reflects their role, experience and ambitions.
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Identify the right programme
The most appropriate programme will depend on the learner’s existing knowledge, responsibilities, development needs and the needs of the setting. Our apprenticeship team will take the time to understand the learner and employer before recommending a route.
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Check funding and eligibility
Depending on your organisation and circumstances, you may be able to access up to 100% funding towards apprenticeships training. Checking funding early gives your time to understand eligibility, possible employer contributions and any actions required before enrolment. Our team will guide you through the available options and explain the process clearly.
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Prepare the required information
Gathering the necessary information in advance can help prevent delays later. This may include details about your setting, the prospective learner, their roles, previous qualifications and the programme being considered. Starting now provides time to address any missing information without created additional pressure in September.
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Complete enrolment and onboarding
Enrolment helps confirm that the programme is suitable, establishes the learner’s starting point and ensure everyone under that will be involved. A strong onboarding process gives learners clarity about how their training will be delivered, who will support them and what will be expected. Complete these stages early allows questions to be answered and the right support to be put in place.
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Agreeing the start date
Apprenticeships should fit around the realities of nursery life. With WMC Training, learners do not need to wait for a large cohort to begin. Once the necessary steps have completed, a suitable start date can be agreed around the needs of the learner and employer.
Why Start Before September?
Beginning the process now can help your nursery:
- Avoid the busiest enrolment period
- Reduce last-minute paperwork
- Make informed programme decisions
- Understand funding arrangements earlier
- Provide learners with a smoother start
- Plan development around operational priorities
- Move forward without waiting for a cohort
Support at Every Stage
Planning apprenticeships should not create more administration for your nursery.
WMC Training supports employers and learners throughout the process, from discussing workforce priorities and selecting suitable programmes to checking funding, completing enrolment and preparing for the learner’s start.
Whether you already know which programme your team needs or would like help exploring the options, starting the conversation now can put you in a stronger position for September.
Get Ahead of the September Rush
You don’t need to wait until September to begin planning, enrolling or onboarding your learners.
Start now, give your team time to prepare and approach September knowing that the important steps are already underway.
