Former nursery child returns 15 years later to inspire the next generation of children

Fifteen years after she left, Amy McKinnon has returned to the nursery that cared for her as a child to inspire the next generation of children.

Fond memories of her time at Tiny Tugs Day Nursery, coupled with experience gained at a private nursery and childcare studies at MidKent College, inspired Amy to apply and progress to the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship delivered by HIT Training. Her successful application made her the nursery’s first ever apprentice.

The course allowed Amy to learn and earn while working alongside some of the staff who cared for her as a child while her mum Ann worked as a Hospital Play Specialist at Medway Maritime Hospital, where our nursery is based.

Fast forward fifteen years, and after completing the course Amy has become the nursery’s first homegrown early years educator. She now works full-time at the nursery providing care and educating hundreds of children aged 0 to five while their parents work at the hospital.

Amy, 20, from Chatham, said: “I have such lovely memories of being at the nursery, and it means a lot to now work with some of the staff who cared for me when I was a child. They really helped shape my path, and I hope I can give that same encouragement to the children who attend the nursery today.”

In her role, Amy supports children’s learning and development through play‑based activities designed to help nurture their curiosity, creativity and confidence.

Reflecting on her apprenticeship journey during National Apprenticeship Week (9 to 15 February), Amy said: “I want to say a huge thank you to everybody at the nursery for their support during my apprenticeship.

“Their experience and support helped me grow in confidence and turn my passion for childcare into a career. If people are thinking about doing an apprenticeship, I would say do it – it’s so rewarding.”

Nursery Manager Amanda Richards, said: “Amy’s journey is a great example of what can happen when we nurture talent from within our own community. Watching her return as an apprentice and flourish has been a joy. She is a real asset to the nursery.

“We hope to be able to support more apprentices in the future.”

Lucy Mason, Work Based Learning Manager, added: “ We are proud to offer thirty six apprenticeship pathways and to support one hundred and seventy six apprentices across the Trust. Amy’s experience highlights the difference these opportunities can make.”

While most apprenticeships are completed by our current staff, opportunities for external applicants continue to grow. To find out about apprenticeship opportunities at Medway Maritime Hospital visit the website.

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