Shaping Lives

Shaping Lives is a UK‑based professional education and apprenticeship provider specialising in early years education and childcare professionals (ages 0–5). The organisation supports childcare providers, including nurseries and early years providers, in developing the skills of their teams and training the next generation of professionals within the sector. 

A mission dedicated to educational quality for over 20 years

For more than 20 years, Shaping Lives has been committed to training and supporting the next generation of early years professionals, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence required to succeed in these essential roles. 

The programmes delivered contribute directly to the quality of early years care and education across the United Kingdom, supporting positive outcomes for children, families and childcare organisations.

Training focused on apprenticeships and professional practice

Shaping Lives’ programmes are primarily delivered through apprenticeship pathways, combining theoretical learning, real-world workplace experience, and personalised support provided by trainers with professional backgrounds in the early years sector. 

This practice‑led approach supports long‑term employability for learners while responding to the specific workforce needs of early years employers. 

Shaping Lives’ programmes operate within the UK apprenticeship regulatory framework. The organisation is evaluated by OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills), the independent public authority responsible for inspecting and assessing 

the quality of education and training providers on behalf of the UK government. 

This recognition guarantees the quality of training provision and its alignment with the expectations and standards of the early years sector in the United Kingdom.

Shaping Lives is part of the Knovia Group, a major UK provider of professional education and apprenticeships. Within the group, Shaping Lives contributes specialised expertise 

in early years education, supporting the development of

high‑quality training programmes that address the growing skills needs

 of the childcare and early years sector.