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Bright Horizons to offer Level 5 apprenticeship with Nottingham Trent University

Bright Horizons, the second largest nursery group in the UK, has partnered with Nottingham Trent University (NTU) to offer its staff a Level 5 apprenticeship.
Bright Horizons and Nottingham Trent University have partnered to offer a Level 5 qualification to nursery staff

From January (2025), Bright Horizons employees will be able to complete a Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship – a qualification equivalent to a foundation degree, designed for leadership roles – through the partnership.

The qualification will cover child development, educational psychology and inclusive practices. To accommodate working professionals, the course will offer flexible learning options – online modules and weekend workshops. Distance learning options are also available.

Learners will have access to NTU resources, including the University’s virtual library.

Talent and development lead at Bright Horizons, James Butler, said, We are thrilled to partner with Nottingham Trent University to offer this new qualification. This training programme is a gateway for our people who are looking to deepen their expertise and advance to the next level in their careers. This partnership with such a highly acclaimed institution reflects our commitment to providing high-quality professional development opportunities for educators, ultimately benefiting the children and families we serve.

Dr Aaron Bradbury, principal lecturer for childhood, early childhood and early years initial teacher education (pictured far left), added, ‘The partnership with Bright Horizons is down to the investment that is being made within their organisation for striving to have degree level early childhood professionals, as we all know that this has positive outcomes for our children and families. I am looking forward to working more closely with Bright Horizons on these qualifications and further enhancing research between Nottingham Trent University and Bright Horizons to support our sector more widely.’

Bright Horizons staff will also have the opportunity to progress from a Level 5 to a Level 6 Childhood and Education Studies top-up through NTU. The one-year programme is open to individuals with a relevant Level 5 qualification, such as an HND or Foundation Degree, to allow them to complete a full bachelor’s degree.