Nursery group launches new academy to kick-start childcare careers

By Daisy Graham-Brown, Local Democracy Reporter

A South London nursery group is launching a new academy to help people pursue careers in childcare.

The academy will allow trainees to ‘earn while you learn’ with the help of industry experts in a nursery setting.

Fennies Nurseries, which has 15 sites across South London, will be offering placements, apprenticeships and a two-year graduate scheme for those wanting to work in the early years sector.

Placements in nurseries will be given to college and school students, whereas the paid graduate scheme will offer new graduates the chance to experience all departments of the Fennies business.

One of the academy leaders, Pru Barwood, said: “We will offer specialised training for anyone aspiring to work within early years, no matter which route they choose to take or the qualifications they wish to achieve.

“We have outstanding learning and development opportunities, which will be delivered by Fennies experts and our external partners, to support everyone’s growing career.”

Fennies opened their fifteenth nursery on London Lane, Bromley, at the start of this year.

Steven Fenn, CEO of Fennies, said: “We are delighted to have expanded our presence within the Bromley area with this new launch and to have created a bespoke environment designed specifically with early years in mind.

“We expect this to be a place for both parents and children to enjoy and we look forward to the engagement and positivity Fennies will bring to families in the area.”