www.thebabyroom.blog

At Kids Planet, one of the UK’s largest family-owned nursery groups, supporting apprentices is more than a priority — it’s embedded in their ethos. With over 1,000 apprentices across their 230+ settings and 100 new apprentices joining each month, they understand the importance of developing confident and skilled early years educators who look forward to work. A key area of focus for Kids Planet is helping apprentices gain valuable experience in the baby room, especially as it is often misunderstood and under-valued by new apprentices.

Gill Mason, Academy Director at Kids Planet, explains that many apprentices arrive with preconceived notions about the baby room. Common assumptions are that it’s less exciting, less learning-focused, and lacks opportunities for outdoor play. Younger apprentices, particularly those without personal experience with babies, often dismiss the baby room, saying things like “I’m not a babies person.” But in many cases, this is less about preference and more about a lack of confidence and familiarity, as these academy tutors explain:  

I always enjoyed working in babies when I worked in nurseries. However, I know that many of my team felt that they enjoyed the livelier rooms like pre-school or toddlers, as they felt the children could interact more and the day was more action packed. I also remember people talking about their confidence with babies e.g. trying to get them to sleep and preparing bottles etc. People used to get overwhelmed if all of the babies were crying and needed settling. I think people also struggle around planning in terms of supporting next steps and tuning into interests. 

I regard myself as a ‘baby person’. However, I know lots of people that say that prefer working with the older age range, and they wouldn’t choose to work with babies.

Rather than avoid placing apprentices in the baby room, Kids Planet challenges apprentices’ assumptions through their in-house work-based academy, which introduces apprentices early on to the developmental needs of babies and the skills involved in working with them. Apprentices are actively encouraged to explore all rooms in their nursery, including the baby room, to develop a deeper understanding of children’s development, learning and wellbeing across the 0-5 age range. With the right support, an interest in the baby room can be nurtured and over time, for some apprentices, this develops into a passion and focus for the baby room:

I like being in the baby room as I love creating and nurturing bonds with the children and their families at such a big stage for the parents and their baby, the initial part of starting a new journey. (Apprentice)

My favourite thing to do is seeing babies settle in to nursery and seeing my hard work trying to settle the children in pay off as its very rewarding. (Apprentice)

Kids Planet’s approach doesn’t stop with training the apprentices. The organisation also focuses on preparing mentors, tutors, and nursery staff to create a welcoming and supportive environment. Apprentices are much more likely to thrive if they feel included and guided, rather than judged for what they don’t yet know. Baby room leaders are encouraged to show apprentices the ropes and be patient with their learning, recognising that not everyone has personal experiences from babies to draw on. Mentors play a vital role, liaising with staff to ensure each apprentice feels like part of the team, as this apprentice explains:

I like everything to do with the baby room from the staff that I work with, my dedicated mentor, how the room is laid out, the resources we have, how we can explore the outdoors by using the prams and many more. The staff and my mentor could not be more supportive when it comes to my work and is always super helpful when it comes to coming up with ideas together. For example, I wanted to do a mark making session and I came up with the idea to make the paint edible so the babies could have total freedom whether they wanted to explore the paint through touch, sight or taste. In the baby room, I have made loads of connections and relationships with both the children and parents and it is amazing to see them grow and adapt to new habits. I feel proud to be part of the baby team and be able to teach them new things, be there for their milestones and share their accomplishments with their parents or guardian. (Apprentice)

Interestingly, those apprentices who initially resist the baby room often grow to excel in it. Many advance quickly into leadership roles, such as baby room leaders. Their transformation highlights how a thoughtful introduction and supportive environment can help apprentices discover strengths they didn’t know they had.

I enjoy how the baby room supports each child’s individual routine,like feeding, nappy changes, and sleep. Everything is tailored to their unique needs, and it’s lovely to be part of helping them feel secure and cared for.  I find working in the baby room incredibly rewarding to support babies reaching their milestones such as crawling, taking their first steps, or first words. I enjoy being able to help to support them.

My favourite thing to do in the baby room is having a great connection not only with the babies but also having a strong relationship with parents/carers. Having a relationship with both parents and babies not only helps the baby feel safe but also gives parents reassurance that their child is being looked after. This is my favourite part of working in the baby room. It’s very rewarding when a parent tells you how much they trust you with their baby and that they appreciate the work that I put in to help their baby reach milestones. (Apprentice)

This proactive approach is paying off. Kids Planet has seen significant improvements in apprentice retention rates. And when it comes to babies, retention isn’t just about staffing statistics — it’s about continuity. Babies need consistent caregivers to form secure attachments, and frequent staff changes can disrupt that essential process. By helping apprentices feel confident and competent in the baby room, Kids Planet not only strengthens their workforce but also enhances the quality of what happens in the baby room.

Gill’s top tips for supporting apprentices in the baby room

• Allow apprentices to observe in the baby room before taking on active roles.
• Start with short shifts or time-limited activities so they build comfort gradually.
• Pair apprentices with experienced baby room staff who can guide, model best practice, and offer reassurance.
• Explain how working with babies contributes to brain development, secure attachments, and long-term wellbeing.
• Ensure the baby room feels calm, supportive, and non-judgmental, so apprentices feel safe to ask questions and make mistakes.
• Celebrate Small Successes: Acknowledge when apprentices build a bond with a baby, handle a routine confidently, or notice a developmental milestone.
•  Include Training and Reflection:  Provide specific training on infant care (e.g., safe sleeping, feeding, soothing). Encourage apprentices to reflect on their experiences through journals or supervision.
• Debunk Myths: Address misconceptions like “the baby room is boring” or “you just change nappies all day” by highlighting the richness and rewards of the baby room.