WMC Training

30/09/2026

From 1 October 2026, non-levy nursery employers could receive a government hiring payment of up to £2,000 when recruiting a new apprentice aged 16–24.

Hiring for your nursery? Let us help you find your next team member.

Finding the right person takes time, especially when you’re already managing a busy setting. We provide free apprenticeship recruitment support and will promote your vacancy, screen candidates and coordinate interviews for you.

Whether you’re filling a gap or growing your early years team, we’ll work with you to understand exactly who you’re looking for.

Have an apprenticeship vacancy to fill? Get in touch to share the details and speak with our recruitment team.

29/09/2026

Looking for your next role in early years?

Here are some of our current vacancies in Birmingham, Northampton, Glossop, Blackburn and Maidenhead.

Visit our website for full role details and information on how to apply: https://wmctraining.co.uk/recruit/apprentice-jobs/

29/09/2026

What happens when a member of your team finds it harder to connect with one child than another?

It’s a conversation that can feel uncomfortable, but giving educators space to reflect on it can make a real difference. Not to judge how they handled a moment, but to understand what was happening for the child and for themselves.

In this clip from The Debrief, Aideen McCartney from Playful Pathways talks about why regular, non-judgmental reflection matters. It helps educators make sense of challenging moments and think about what they might do next.

For nursery leaders, it’s a reminder that supporting your team means making time for these conversations, even when the day is busy.

How do you make space for reflection in your setting?

24/09/2026

Hiring an apprentice for your nursery? You could receive up to £3,000.

From 1 October, nurseries that don’t pay the apprenticeship levy could receive up to £2,000 for hiring a new apprentice aged 16 to 24. An additional £1,000 may be available in some cases.

Swipe through for the key details, or read our blog to see who could qualify: https://wmctraining.co.uk/resources/news/nurseries-could-receive-up-to-3000-for-hiring-an-apprentice-from-october-2026/

For more information about funding or support with hiring an apprentice, speak to our apprenticeship team.

23/09/2026

Sometimes the biggest step in an apprenticeship is finding the confidence to keep going.

This feedback about our assessor, Becky, shows what a difference personal support can make. Having someone who takes the time to explain things, welcomes questions and believes in you when you doubt yourself can change how you feel about what you’re capable of.

It’s lovely to hear that support has helped someone feel proud of their progress. 💙

23/09/2026

Five practical ways to make nursery mealtimes calmer. 🍽️

What children eat matters, but so does how they feel around food. In our latest guest blog, Catherine Lippe, Head of Nutrition and Policy at Nursery Kitchen, shares practical ideas to help early years teams build children’s confidence and independence at mealtimes, without pressure to try new foods.

Thank you to Catherine Lippe for sharing her insight.

See the full article here:

Five practical ways to make nursery mealtimes calmer, build children’s independence and support a positive relationship with food.

18/09/2026

What types of play do children really need to thrive? 🌱

In this clip from The Debrief, podcast guest Aideen McCartney (Playful Pathways) explores five valuable experiences that support children’s development:

🎨 Creative and imaginative play that encourages problem solving
🌿 Outdoor play and opportunities to engage with nature
🏃 Active play that gets children moving
🤝 Shared play that strengthens relationships and supports co-regulation
💙 Teamwork and community experiences that build a sense of belonging

For nursery leaders and Early Years teams, it is a helpful reminder that meaningful play does not need to be complicated. The everyday experiences we create can strengthen children’s confidence, wellbeing, relationships and development.

How does your setting create opportunities for these different types of play? Let us know in the comments.

16/09/2026

What should personal apprenticeship support actually look like for your nursery?

Clear communication. Consistent guidance. A provider who understands your setting and responds when circumstances change.

Our latest blogs looks at he support employers should expect throughout the apprenticeship journey and how the right approach can make developing your team feel clearer and easier to manage.

🔗 Read more here: https://wmctraining.co.uk/resources/news/what-personal-apprenticeship-support-looks-like-in-practice/

Considering an apprenticeship for someone in your team? Speak to WMC Training about your next enrolment.

15/09/2026

What a wonderful message for one of our tutors to receive. 💙

After achieving a Merit in their End Point Assessment, one of our learners shared these lovely words about the support Shelley provided throughout their studies.

We’re proud of this fantastic achievement and of the encouragement, guidance and reassurance Shelley offered along the way.

Congratulations on a thoroughly deserved result! 🌟

09/09/2026

Ready to start or take the next step in your Early Years career? 👥

Here are some of our current apprentice and practitioner vacancies. Visit our website to explore all our active vacancies, view full role details and apply:

🔗 https://wmctraining.co.uk/recruit/apprentice-jobs/

Need support with your application? Get in touch with our friendly recruitment team.