News15th September 2026

Ark and BPP launch pioneering early years apprenticeship programme

Ark and BPP have joined forces to launch a new Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship programme to help strengthen the early years workforce and give more children the best possible start in life.

Early YearsArk Teacher TrainingArk Start

The initiative comes as nurseries face growing recruitment and retention challenges, placing increasing pressure on a sector already struggling to meet rising demand for childcare. 

Supporting the government’s ambition for 75 percent of children to achieve a Good Level of Development by age five by 2028, the programme combines BPP’s apprenticeship expertise with Ark’s strong track record in educator development. 

Drawing on the early years expertise of Ark Start nurseries and the success of Outstanding-rated Ark Teacher Training (ATT), the programme applies Ark’s proven educator development model to the early years workforce, helping apprentices build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed in the profession. 

Ark and BPP have worked together to design a programme that combines Ark’s expertise in early years practice and educator development with BPP’s extensive experience in apprenticeship delivery, learner support and workforce recruitment. Through the partnership, apprentices will benefit from a high-quality learning experience that connects recruitment, training and professional development from the very start of their careers. 

An initial cohort of 14 apprentices will begin training this month, with the learners recruited through BPP’s specialist apprenticeship recruitment service. By drawing on BPP’s expertise in attracting and identifying aspiring early years professionals, the partnership has been able to connect settings with talented individuals who are looking to build long-term careers in the sector. A second cohort is planned for November, with ambitions to expand the programme significantly in the years ahead.