PURPLE POST - February 2026
Welcome to the February issue of Purple Post!
This month’s Purple Post contains news, celebrations and shout-outs. We’re sharing some fantastic achievements (including our Matrix re-accreditation), welcoming new faces to the Parenta family, highlighting lovely feedback from our learners and customers, and pointing you to helpful resources to support the great work you do every day.

So, grab a cuppa, have a read, and take a moment to enjoy what we’ve achieved together – here’s to a positive and exciting February ahead.
TEAM UPDATES
IQA Team North
We would like to congratulate Caroline Morgan on completing her IQA qualification. Caroline has been working hard on this to develop both her skills and career, and has just been awarded her qualification!
Congratulations too, goes to Sophie Fisher, who has come back to work after Christmas with the news that she is expecting her first baby due in July!
Lisa Roper – Head of Training Delivery & Quality
(A summary of Lisa’s message posted in the Parenta Group thread)
Matrix Re-Accreditation Success!
We’re delighted to share that Parenta has successfully achieved Matrix re-accreditation for a further three years following our recent assessment.
The Matrix Standard is the DfE’s quality mark for high-quality information, advice and guidance (IAG), ensuring learners are supported at every stage of their journey to reach their full potential. The assessment is rigorous and wide-ranging, and this outcome is a real testament to the work happening across the organisation.
The assessment included a detailed review of our policies and documentation, alongside conversations with:
- 44 members of staff
- 17 learners
- 5 employers and partners
What the assessment highlighted
Our people
Staff consistently spoke about strong teamwork, passion for learners, manageable caseloads and the benefits of remote/hybrid working and a healthy work-life balance.
Our learners
Learners praised the depth of support they receive, meaningful reviews, helpful and responsive staff, and the confidence they gain through their learning. Many shared how their apprenticeship has opened up progression opportunities and helped them feel more confident in their roles and able to support others.
Our partners
Employers and partners described Parenta as a trusted, ‘go-to’ provider, highlighting excellent relationships, consistent support and flexibility in meeting their needs.
Key strengths recognised
- Strong leadership and a clear, data-driven culture
- Clear improvement and impact since the last assessment
- High-quality career guidance and signposting
- A wide range of learner support and teaching options
- Effective monitoring and follow-up to ensure learners get what they need
Looking ahead
The assessor also highlighted positive areas for future development, including capturing the impact of learners’ personal development and continuing to reduce the small achievement gap for learners with additional needs - areas already identified in our improvement planning.
A huge thank you and well done to everyone who contributed to the assessment and, more importantly, to the fantastic work you do every day. This re-accreditation is something we should all be incredibly proud of 💜
#OneTeamParenta
"Funding Explained – What Early Years Practitioners Need to Know"
Wednesday 11th February 2026, 10.30 – 11.30 am
Funding changes don’t just affect your figures - they affect your rooms, your staff and your day-to-day decisions.
If funding feels confusing, frustrating, or just one more thing to juggle, you’re not alone. Most early years settings are working within a system never designed for full-day, year-round childcare.
In this practical, no-nonsense webinar, renowned early years business expert Dr Jane Todd breaks down the real impact of funding on practice - from new starter timings and age bands to staffing pressures and room capacity bottlenecks.
Don’t forget to remind your employers, learners and settings to register for this!
Learn more and
register here - don’t miss it and get a
CPD certificate if you attend!
EXTRA! EXTRA! The testimonials and reviews keep coming in, and we’re so pleased to see such great feedback!
December's winner is… drumroll… Roxanne Leather, Congratulations, Roxanne! Enjoy your £50 Amazon vouchers.
Want to win up to £50 next month?
Share the love and you could win! Here are the all-important links:
https://bit.ly/MyParentaExperienceTrustPilot
https://bit.ly/MyParentaExperience
We're thrilled to share the fantastic testimonials we've been receiving from our learners, employers, and settings. It's truly heart-warming to see such positive feedback! While we'd love to list them all, there are just too many to fit! View more training and software testimonials here.
Sabina D
"I had the privilege of having my tutor, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. As someone who often struggles with self-confidence, I was amazed at how consistently supportive and encouraging she was throughout the course. Every time I had a question, without exception, she took the time to answer it patiently and thoroughly. Her guidance made me feel seen, heard, and capable, which made a huge difference in my learning experience. Thanks to her, I felt motivated to keep going and to believe in myself more. I am genuinely grateful for her support and dedication, and I am so happy I had her as my teacher."
Megan C
"My tutor promised to get me through, which she did! I passed with a distinction. She was so helpful and accommodated all of my needs. She knew I was nervous, and she helped me work through it. She was the best tutor, and I don’t think I could have done it without her!
Thank you! :)"
Eghosa E
"My assessor was very supportive, making sure every task was explained comprehensively. The Level 3 Childcare was very helpful and gave me a deep understanding of my day-to-day practice. The tasks were very practical, enjoyable and retentive. I can confidently practise and explore my skills as I work with children and collaborate with the team, parents and external professionals appropriately. I will definitely be willing to further my professional development with this organisation with the informative and personalised support the platform offers."
Garrick B
"I had a training session today, trying to navigate the Government requirements for invoicing funded
children under 5.
It is clear Parenta has invested time and money updating their accounts system to accommodate the changes and is very willing to train and help settings struggling to keep up with the latest requirements. Thank you so much for your help."
Kassie J
"I strongly recommend doing the Early Years Educator course with Parenta, as they are very helpful in any way, and they offer a lot of knowledge.. People there are always friendly and always care about all students."
Emily M
"Attended ta raining yesterday with my colleague looking at the myths around neurodivergence, and it was excellent."
Well Done, Keep Them Coming!
Resources to help us, our learners, and our settings
We welcomed to our Parenta Family in January:
5th - Abigail Rigby, Training
5th - Soffie Kirlew, Training
5th - Brett Steenkamp, Marketing
15th - Melissa Dart, Training
21st - Wahida Rehman , IAG
We welcome to our Parenta Family in February:
2nd - Sharon Hovis, Training
3rd - Geeta Mehmi, Training
