The owner of a South West nursery group with 24 settings across Bristol, Somerset and Devon is urging school leavers and anyone looking at a change of career to consider entering the early years sector.

Tony Driffield, who launched the Mama Bear’s Day Nursery and Pre-School group in 2004 with his wife Bev, said: “There is an ongoing industry-wide shortage of childcare staff which can only be addressed by attracting bright new candidates to careers in the early years sector.

“We’re obviously delighted that life is now more or less back to normal after the pandemic, but this translates into an ever-increasing demand for places at our day nurseries so Mama Bear’s is on the hunt for new staff to join our teams at all levels including apprentices.

“People don’t need to have previous experience in the early years sector because we have an industry-leading apprenticeship which has enabled many people who started with us as apprentices to be promoted through the company, with some now working as nursery managers.

“We are strong believers in ‘keeping it in the family’ by offering career development that leads to internal promotions which, in turn, encourages loyalty among our staff, many of whom have earned long-service awards celebrating careers within the company of 5, 10 and even 20 years. 

“Since the beginning of the year we are proud to have welcomed over 60 new staff to Mama Bear’s. We currently employ over 50 apprentices and we’re actively looking for more.

“With a nursery apprenticeship scheme which has been recognised as one of the best in the business and attractive rates of pay, we’re keen to show anyone who thinks they might be interested what an interesting and rewarding career can be had in early years.

“We are still very much a family-run business and the secret to our success is our fabulous staff.”

If you would like to find out more about Mama Bear’s or are interested in joining the team visit www.mamabear.co.uk