Can you tell us a bit about your business?
Grandir Uk is a leading provider of early years education and childcare in the UK, operating a large network of nursery settings across England and supporting thousands of children and families. Working within the early years and childcare sector, Grandir UK delivers high-quality care and education for babies, toddlers and pre school children through services including full and part time childcare, early years learning programmes aligned with the EYFS framework, school readiness support, health and wellbeing initiatives, and family guidance. The organisation places strong emphasis on workforce development through training, career progression opportunities and apprenticeship programmes, helping to develop and strengthen the future early years workforce.
What led you to consider a levy transfer?
We considered levy transfer as an opportunity to maximise available apprenticeship funding and further strengthen our workforce strategy. With increasing skills shortages and recruitment challenges in the early years sector, levy transfer offered an additional route to support apprenticeship growth, create more development opportunities and reduce financial barriers to investing in talent. It aligned with our commitment to building a sustainable pipeline of skilled practitioners.
How has EALTS helped your organisation?
The Essex Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service has been incredibly valuable in supporting our organisation to continue investing in apprenticeship opportunities and workforce development. Access to transferred levy funding has enabled us to grow and strengthen our early years workforce while reducing financial pressures associated with apprenticeship delivery. This support has created greater flexibility to invest in skills, qualifications and career progression opportunities without placing additional strain on our own levy budget. As a result, we have been able to continue developing talented practitioners and build a sustainable pipeline of skilled colleagues for the future.
Words from apprentices at Grandir UK:
“I’ve decided to begin my level 5 in early years to enhance my knowledge in childcare and leadership in early years settings. During my time in the course, I’ll explore various theories related to child development and effective leadership, while also gaining new skills to apply in my practice. I have spent the last five years in early years education, completing both my Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications with Grandir UK. I’m truly grateful for the chance to pursue my Level 5 with them as well! I’m excited to embrace the new opportunities and challenges that this course will bring my way. Thank you for this opportunity!”
“I chose to do my Level 5 because since being at Kiddi Caru Colchester, I have grown so much as a practitioner and am looking too progress in my childcare carer. The level 5 seemed full of challenges and opportunity for me to expand my knowledge. I am keen to learn more about leadership and how to best support the children I am working with.”