SS&L Apprentice of the Month – May 2026

“My apprenticeship has really pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and as a result of this my confidence has grown immensely.”

Congratulations to our Apprentice of the Month for May… Izzy!

You may recognise Izzy as we’ve already waxed lyrical about her achievements since joining Little Discoveries Nunney as a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner in 2023. In this time she’s progressed onto her Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship and been appointed maternity cover Deputy Manager of the nursery. It only seems right she add Apprentice of the Month to her long list of accolades!

Izzy’s tutor, Amy Cooper, nominated her and says:

“She makes lovely contributions to class discussions and her research for projects is always thoughtful and insightful. Over the couple of years that she’s been with us her confidence has really grown.”

Career progression

After gaining a distinction in her Level 2 Early Years apprenticeship with SS&L, moving onto the Level 3 was a natural progression for Izzy.

“I was really excited to extend my learning but it was a bit nerve wracking!” she says. “I still wasn’t entirely sure what to expect of the next level, but everyone I had spoken to were really welcoming and helped me to understand what the course consisted of.”

Manager at Little Discoveries Nunney, Sadie, is thrilled that Izzy has stayed on for both apprenticeships. She told us “It’s an absolute pleasure to have Izzy as part of our team. She brings such enthusiasm, warmth and dedication to her role. It’s been wonderful to see her grow in confidence and skill throughout her apprenticeship.”

Personal progression

As impressive as Izzy’s professional career has been so far, her personal development has enabled her success.

“My apprenticeship with SS&L and my role at Little Discoveries Nunney has really pushed me to get out of my comfort zone,” she says. “As a result of this my confidence has grown immensely.”

“Support from SS&L has been great. My tutor Amy really helps to make sure that I understand the work that has been set and ensures I feel comfortable with my next steps.”

It is her commitment to her role that Izzy has been able to grow so much both in the classroom and the nursery. Manager Sadie explains:

“Izzy is always keen to learn, takes feedback on board, and consistently shows genuine care and kindness towards the children she works with.”

Finding a calling…

Her success wouldn’t count for much if Izzy didn’t love what does! She has shown a natural aptitude caring for the children at nursery supporting their growth and development.

She explains “My favourite part of the apprenticeship has been working with my colleagues to build a warm and welcoming environment and watching the children in our care thrive within this.”

Sadie agrees that “Izzy is a real asset to our setting. Her recognition as Apprentice of the Month is very well deserved!”

And if anyone else was thinking of an apprenticeship? “Do it! I would really recommend an apprenticeship with SS&L. There are lots of different courses and they’re great at adapting to fit the needs of every learner.”

If you’d like to find out if a career in Early Years would work for you, give our friendly enrolment team a call on 0330 332 7997 or message them here for some no-obligation careers advice!