Educ8 Training Group have been working alongside Newport’s first Welsh Language day nursery, Wibli Wobli for the past 12 months. Our Senior Account Manager Sarah-Jane Smart recently sat down with Nursery Manager Molly Necrews and Deputy Manager Saskeah Sparkes to discuss the nursery’s plans for the future after a devasting fire destroyed their building and how apprenticeships support staff development.
A new beginning
As the New Year started, staff at Wibli Wobli nursery were looking forward to new ventures following the nursery opening in April 2023. Unfortunately, those plans were halted after a fire swept through the nursery on the evening of Sunday 15th January. Fortunately, no-one was injured in the fire which left the building needing to be demolished and alternative premises sought for the nursery.
In March, the team were able to collect the keys to their brand new permanent location in Cleppa Park, Newport which is scheduled to open on the 3rd of June.
Expansion and staff development
The new setting has meant the nursery is expanding to around 70 children instead of 40 and for the first time they will be able to care for children under the age of two. As a result of the expansion the nursery is looking to recruit two new apprentices within the setting immediately, with hopes to recruit further within the next 6 months.
Saskeah, who is a deputy manager at the setting and currently completing her Level 5 CCPLD with Educ8 told us about her own experience “I started the Level 5 apprenticeship to improve my knowledge and skills as a Deputy Manager so that I can provide the best support for the staff and the children. Our focus is on the child’s voice and being able to follow that through. I’ve been able to complete the qualification through the medium of Welsh and I’ve enjoyed practising Welsh at a higher level during my meetings with my Trainer Coach. As a Welsh language nursery it is important to challenge my Welsh language skills and remain emersed in the language and culture.”
Speaking about juggling her studies, work commitments and being involved in preparing the new setting Saskeah commented, “I usually find quiet time three times a week to study. Educ8’s flexible learning approach with a mix of online and face to face sessions has supported this arrangement. I’ve had to focus on creating the new setting and team training as they prepare to take on babies for the first time.
Nursery manger, Molly Necrews commented “We have five members of staff at present studying qualifications with Educ8 Training ranging from Level 2 to Level 5 CCPLD. We find the apprenticeship opportunity more beneficial than a college environment. Staff gain practical skills and have the opportunity to get paid and learn on the job. This encompasses cohesive learning alongside employer training. By our staff studying apprenticeships we’ve seen them grow in confidence. Everyone has a sense of progression and the attainment of qualifications supports their careers in the long term.
We’d like to wish the staff at Wibli Wobli the best of luck as they prepare to open their new setting.
If you’d like to support the team at Wibli Wobli their GoFundMe page can be found here.
Details of their apprenticeship opportunities can be found here
