PURPLE POST - January 2026
Welcome to the January issue of Purple Post!
Happy New Year, everyone!
Looking back on 2025, it was a year of change, challenge and determination, with a fair few frustrations along the way too, but also lots of moments to be proud of. Through it all, our fabulous teams pulled together, supported one another and kept going with positivity and care. That sense of collaboration is exactly what we’re taking with us into the year ahead.
Let’s kick off January feeling positive and excited about what’s ahead and make 2026 another brilliant year together!
TEAM UPDATES
Kirsty Taylor – Training Delivery Manager, South Region
I want to say a huge thank you to all of my team for their hard work and dedication in 2025!! It was a year of celebration, determination, and sometimes frustration 😊 Without a doubt, there was a catalogue of changes we had to overcome last year, but as always, you supported each other and rose above them with a smile and a positive outlook. From the bottom of my heart, I thank each and every one of you, incredible people, for being part of my team. I’m always so proud of the drive you all have to succeed, both professionally and personally – Thank you again!! Here is to another AMAZING year!
IQA Team North
Congratulations are in order for Sophie and James, who got married on 13th December! We wish them all the very best for their future and becoming Mr and Mrs Atkin.
Emma Harris – Functional Skills & Additional Learning Support Manager
A huge shout-out to Alison Rodriguez! Alison received an email from a learner, below, thanking her for her support – it really is quite lovely. This learner was highly anxious about ALN and worked hard with Alison to achieve her Level 2 maths.
“I just wanted to say a truly heartfelt thank you for everything you’ve done to help me pass my maths exam. I’ve always struggled with maths, and there were so many moments when I felt like giving up, but you never gave up on me. Your patience, encouragement, and clear way of explaining things made such a difference, and you helped me believe that I could understand it after all.
Thank you for taking the time to support me, for celebrating the small wins with me, and for helping me build confidence in a subject I never thought I’d get through. I’m so grateful for your kindness and dedication. I couldn’t have done this without you, and will never forget you and will miss our maths session.
Thank you, truly.”
"Myth Busting Neurodivergence in the Early Years"
Wednesday 14th January 2026, 10.30 – 11.30 am
With more children being identified as neurodivergent, it has never been more important for early years practitioners to feel confident in recognising needs and offering the right support. Yet myths and misconceptions are still widespread - and they can have a real impact on children’s well-being.
Join us for this powerful webinar, where our expert speakers, Dr Joanna Grace and Zoë Austin, will cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters for neurodivergent children in an early years setting.
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… Denise Hawke, Congratulations, Denise! – 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.
Emma M
"I privately funded my Level 3 qualification and chose Parenta on a recommendation, and it has genuinely been outstanding. From day one, my tutor has been incredibly supportive, organised, and completely understanding of childminding practice.
This course has given me the professional confidence to engage directly with Ofsted, including taking part in the 2025 pilot inspection. In those conversations, I openly shared that Parenta’s assessment style is far superior to traditional inspections. Their approach, using dictaphones for accuracy, breaking tasks into supportive segments, and observing practitioners without hiding behind a laptop, creates a natural, calm environment where your strengths are genuinely seen. It is everything an early years assessment should be.
Thank you for a truly transformative learning experience."
Carmen D
"My tutor has been absolutely wonderful and has guided me throughout my time on the course. She has always been available to answer any questions, give moral support and guidance when needed. Her friendly personality and attitude towards me as her student have really helped me progress through my apprenticeship. She has been an absolutely wonderful tutor, guiding me throughout my apprenticeship. She’s always available to answer questions and offer moral support and guidance when needed. Her friendly personality and attitude towards me as a student have really helped me progress."
Adam K
"I am currently midway through my second apprenticeship with Parenta, and I am really enjoying the remote learning process. My tutor has been so supportive and understanding throughout my course and has really made the whole process much smoother for me. Thanks!"
Gayane T
"I am currently doing my apprenticeship in Childcare with Parenta. I feel lucky to be assigned my current tutor. She is a knowledgeable professional with pedagogical methods: she not only knows what to say, but also how to say it for a learner to understand and remember. After every discussion, she provided me with valuable feedback, mentioning my strengths and weaknesses. Also, she is an empathetic person who was always there to accommodate me in her very busy schedule. Thank you."
Rebecca M
"I have had a wonderful, supportive tutor. She is very knowledgeable and has given me fantastic advice
as I go into my EPA.
When I have had any queries regarding my work or meeting schedules, she has also responded promptly and has always been willing to help, which I am very appreciative of."
Dorolina N
"My experience with my tutor has been amazing. She has supported me and helped me complete my course and become ready for my EPA. Great tutor indeed! Thank you for all your help! "
Well Done, Keep Them Coming!
Resources to help us, our learners, and our settings
We welcomed to our Parenta Family in December:
1st - Elizabeth Harries, Training
8th - Corrinna Pullinger, Training
15th - Rachel Burgess, Training
We welcome to our Parenta Family in January:
5th - Abigail Rigby, Training
5th - Soffie Kirlew, Training
5th - Brett Steenkamp, Marketing
