Ellie Houldsworth is shortlisted as NDNA's Apprentice of the Year

Meet Ellie, Educator at The Learning Hive Nursery School and finalist for NDNA’s Apprentice of the Year Award

The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Apprentice of the Year award recognises outstanding apprentices who have made exceptional contributions to their nursery school and have shown dedication to their own professional development.

Ellie’s passion for early years began in March 2020 when she decided to embark on a childcare apprenticeship with Storal. Despite having no previous experience working with children and starting her apprenticeship during the Covid-19 pandemic, Ellie quickly became a valued member of the team at The Learning Hive in Audenshaw. She passed her Level 3 Childcare course in December 2022 with distinction and is now a qualified educator in the preschool room.

Since joining the nursery, Ellie has shown a remarkable commitment to her role. She dedicates time to connect with children individually, tailoring her support and planning activities to ensure they are making good progress. Her enthusiasm is infectious and she is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that every child in her care feels valued and supported.

Ellie has also taken her own professional development very seriously. She has completed a range of training courses to improve her knowledge and skills in areas such as Special Educational Needs, safeguarding, and self-regulation in early years.

Being shortlisted for NDNA's Apprentice of the Year is a testament to Ellie's hard work, dedication, and passion for early years education. It is a well-deserved recognition of the contribution she has made to The Learning Hive Nursery School and the children in her care.

Ellie says,

“I am incredibly pleased and thankful to be nominated for the NDNA Apprentice of the Year award. I would like to share this success with my wonderful colleagues at The Learning Hive and thank them for their continued support and encouragement as I move forward in my career with Storal. I would also like to especially thank the children at The Learning Hive for inspiring me every day to develop professionally and personally.”

The Learning Hive Nursery School in Audenshaw, Manchester has recently been graded "Good" by Ofsted. This achievement reflects the team's commitment to continuous improvement and dedication to providing the best possible educational experience for the children in their care.

Ellie's story is an inspiration to anyone considering a career in early years education. If you’re interested in beginning your journey as an apprentice, we’d love to hear from you. To register your interest, click here and complete the form at the bottom of the page.