A nationwide nursery chain has just launched the UK’s first-ever toddler work experience programme, giving  nursery-age children a fun and practical way to develop vital life skills.The initiative from Your Co-op Little Pioneers comes after research revealed that today’s business leaders value qualities such as trustworthiness, adaptability, and teamwork; skills typically nurtured during early years education.

The study also found nearly half of UK business owners have at some point pursued their childhood dream job, with one in four still working in that field today. Top dream careers included doctors, engineers, scientists, and artists. This suggests today’s toddlers could be tomorrow’s chief executives.

Bethany Patrick, Acting Chief Operating Officer, at Your Co-op Little Pioneers which provided 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 work experience sessions let youngsters try out their ‘dream job’ for a day, from caring for animals to working at historic landmarks.

Four-year-old Oscar and two-year-old Hattie swapped story time for feed buckets, spending the day with animal specialist Melanie. Their tasks included feeding lemurs, checking on rescued meerkats, and caring for a hedgehog, snake, and lizard.

Meanwhile, two-year-olds Ivy and Nara, and three-year-old Lillianna, spent the day at Warwick Castle, greeting visitors and helping oversee the grounds.

Joe Peach, parent to Oscar, said: “Sending Oscar to nursery was super important to myself and my partner, 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 added: “It’s been fantastic to launch these work experience sessions. Not only have they been great fun, but they’ve also given our children the chance to put their skills into action and learn new ones along the way.”

The sessions are part of Your Co-op Little Pioneers’ ‘Pioneering Great Futures’ pledge, aimed at inspiring and nurturing the next generation.

The nursery group, part of The Midcounties Co-operative, runs 45 nurseries across the UK. Find your nearest at: https://www.littlepioneers.coop/.