Your Co-op Little Pioneers has launched the UK’s first ever series of toddler work experience sessions to give nursery-aged children a fun, hands-on opportunity in their early formative years
A leading nursery provider has recently introduced the UK’s first-ever series of toddler work experience sessions, offering nursery-aged children a fun and practical way to develop crucial life skills during their early years.
The initiative was born out of new research highlighting that traits most valued by current business leaders are those nurtured during early education. It showed the importance of attending nursery or pre-school, where qualities such as trustworthiness, adaptability, and teamwork are fostered, suggesting parents might be moulding future CEOs without even knowing it. Interestingly, the study revealed that nearly half of UK business owners have at some point pursued their childhood dream job, with one in four still working in that role today.
Bethany Patrick, Acting Chief Operating Officer at Your Co-op Little Pioneers, which facilitated the work experience, said: “The first five years of a child’s life are crucial, with the brain developing faster during this period than at any other time.
“Early years education is so much more than just childcare, and the research has shown just how important the skills developed during those formative years, including empathy, communication and teamwork, are to ensuring our children get the strongest start in life.”
The Your Co-op Little Pioneers’ sessions allowed the youngsters to experience their ‘dream job’ for a day – whether it was caring for animals or working at one of the UK’s historical sites is a unique experience.
Four-year-old Oscar and two-year-old Hattie swapped story time for feed buckets as they spent the day shadowing experienced animal specialist Melanie. Their tasks included feeding lemurs, checking on rescued meerkats, and caring for a variety of small rescue animals, including a hedgehog, a snake, and a lizard.
Meanwhile, two-year-olds Ivy and Nara, along with three-year-old Lillianna, spent a magical day at Warwick Castle. They learnt to courteously welcome visitors as a team, and oversaw the beautiful grounds to make sure everything was in order.
They also solved riddles and found clues to help the princesses find the lost key to the Princess Tower, combining critical thinking with imaginative play. Joe Peach, Oscar’s dad, said: “Oscar has always been interested in animals and today has been brilliant for him.”
“Sending Oscar to nursery was super important to myself and my partner,” he added. “Since he joined last year it’s made such an impact on his confidence, self-awareness and how he looks out for those around him – it’s been great to see.”
Bethany Patrick, Acting Chief Operating Officer at Your Co-op Little Pioneers, said: “It’s been brilliant to launch our new work experience sessions. Not only have they been great fun for our children, but it’s also given them a chance to put their skills into action and learn some new ones along the way.
“It’s been great fun to be able to provide playful and educational opportunities to help bring the little ones’ imaginations to life, whilst inspiring them to achieve their dreams as they grow.”
The new work experience sessions is the latest initiative from Your Co-op Little Pioneers to drive its ‘Pioneering Great Futures’ commitment – focused on inspiring and nurturing the next generation to reach their full potential.
Your Co-op Little Pioneers is part of The Midcounties Co-operative and operates 45 nurseries across the UK. You can find your nearest nursery here: https://www.littlepioneers.coop/