Rathbone’s new base in West Yorkshire is helping those nursing an interest in childcare to take their first steps into the profession.

Currently working with over 100 young people, Rathbone Wakefield has had to open up a new centre on Queen Street to cope with a boom in would-be baby carers. Boasting a fully-equipped nursery as well as spacious training rooms, it is the perfect place in which to learn to look after children.

Rathbone Wakefield Childcare Apprentices Jaymie Howard, Sarah McKeown and Laura Nicholson.

For Castleford lass Jaymie Howard the centre’s “kid’s glove” approach to learning has helped nurture a re-birth in her education. The 17-year-old didn’t really enjoy high school and wanted to do something practical rather than academic. A former Entry to Employment trainee with Rathbone, Jaymie went on a work placement at Half Acres Infants School in Castleford where she, “read stories and did activities to help the children get ready for school.” Jaymie really likes the new centre, which she says, “has more space and is right posh!”

Given its reputation for turning out high quality child carers, it is no surprise that Rathbone has a healthy relationship with local nurseries and schools. Wakefield College also feeds the centre with plenty of trainees for the Entry to Employment programme (e2e) which equips young people with the skills they need to find work.

Meanwhile Sue Johnson the new Service Director for Schools and Lifelong Learning showed how much Wakefield Metropolitan District Council values Rathbone by opening the centre, recently.