PURPLE POST - July 2025
Welcome to the July issue of Purple Post!
We have a bumper summer edition for you! Inside Purple Post this month, some fantastic Team updates and achievements, new How To Guides for our learners and employers, details of our summer webinar, and last but definitely not least, news of Allan Presland’s new book and course - both of which are coming out soon!
ο»ΏHappy reading!
A Decade On – Why Allan’s New Book and Course Couldn’t Come at a Better Time
Ten years after writing his first bestselling book, Improving the Business of Childcare, our CEO Allan Presland returns with a powerful new edition – Childcare Superhero -Transforming Your Childcare Business.
Sparked by the shocking realisation that, despite a decade of awareness, 50% of nurseries in the UK are still not profitable, Allan set out to go further than before. He combines years of sector insight with updated research, real-world strategies, and a heartfelt mission: to help every childcare setting not just survive but truly thrive.
This new version introduces readers to Amanda, a fictional yet deeply relatable nursery owner, who embodies the emotional highs and lows of managing a setting under immense financial and operational pressure. Her journey is filled with real challenges and practical solutions, culminating in her transformation into a confident, profitable childcare leader.
But the book is only part of the story.
To give readers the tools to take action immediately, Allan has also created The Childcare Business Blueprint™ – a step-by-step, self-paced online course packed with every template, calculator, script and system Amanda had to figure out the hard way. From pricing correctly and forecasting cash flow, to enforcing late fees, managing recruitment and navigating legal requirements, this course takes the strategies in the book and brings them to life with real, ready-to-use resources.
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It’s designed to remove the guesswork, reduce the stress, and give owners and managers the confidence to lead with clarity – all without needing a business background. The course reflects Allan’s belief that success in this sector should not come through burnout or luck, but through practical support that’s actually built for the early years world.
Together, the book and course offer a powerful toolkit for change. And for the Parenta team, they represent our continued commitment to helping settings grow sustainably and confidently, even in the face of ongoing sector challenges.
Watch the interview with Allan above, as he explains how the book and course came about, and what we can expect from them.
TEAM UPDATES
Emma Harris – Functional Skills and ALS Manager
A massive congratulations to James McAdams and his wife who tied the knot on 25th May!
Lisa Roper – Head of Curriculum, Training & Delivery
A shout out to proud mum Kirsty Wright in our Quality Team! Her daughter, Rhianna Wright made a memorable debut at the British Masters Championships at the London Aquatic Centre, winning bronze in the 100m Butterfly with a personal best! She also broke the 30-second barrier in the 50m Freestyle and narrowly missed another PB in the 50m Backstroke. What an achievement!
Charlie Gordon – Training Delivery Manager, London and Essex
The last few weeks have been crazy busy with all the recent changes, especially around the Functional Skills Opt Outs - and of course, the rush of Year End!
Despite the challenges, our team has been working our socks off to push towards our 60% QAR target.
π And guess what? As of last week, we’ve hit that 60%!
Whoop whoop!! πͺππ
A huge shoutout to everyone for the incredible effort - it’s been a real team push, and we're not done yet. Let’s keep the momentum going!
We’re also excited to welcome two new tutors to the London and Essex team to support our ever-growing region, which now has nearly 700 learners!
And that’s not all - last month, we officially welcomed our second Lead Development Coach, Tonni Linton-Williams! I’m sure you’ll all join me in saying a massive congratulations to her on this fantastic achievement. ππ
Finally, a massive congratulations to Denise, who's absolutely smashing her weight loss journey - 2 and a half stone down and going strong! π₯π Your hard work and determination are truly inspiring. Keep it up, Denise!
Layla MacFadyen – Training Advice and Guidance Manager
A huge congratulations to Jessica Swingle for passing her driving test — well done, Jessica!
I would also like to take a moment to recognise all the parents and carers whose children have just completed their GCSEs. This is such an exciting time as they prepare to step into the ‘big wide world’ - whether that’s college, sixth form, an apprenticeship, or, like my own son, heading off to Army College in September. Wishing them all the very best on their next adventure!
A big thank you to our Delivery team for generously giving their time to allow my team to shadow different aspects of the learner journey, including:
- Preparing for EPA
- Support sessions
- Reviews
- Teaching and learning sessions
This experience has been incredibly valuable for our Training Advisors, who are now even better equipped to provide robust and informed IAG (Information, Advice and Guidance) to both learners and managers.
Thank you to everyone for your continued dedication and teamwork!
Lee Jones – Training Delivery Manager
We have an author in our team! Deborah Green has had her first children’s book published! It’s called Stinky Minty and can be purchased on Amazon Kindle here. A little about this beautiful book:
“Stinky Minty” is a heartwarming children’s story about a lonely bird named Minty who sets off on an adventure to find friendship. Along the way, he meets a variety of colourful birds - flamingos, ducks, peacocks, eagles, and a swan - each gifting him a feather that symbolises a special connection. Through these encounters, Minty’s loneliness is replaced with joy, celebrating themes of friendship, acceptance, and belonging. The story is lovingly dedicated to the author’s father, who inspired her love of birds.
What an achievement – and her 2nd book is on its way!
Lisa Gooding – Teaching and Learning Manager
From September 2025, our Yvonne Pickin will represent and play Pool for Essex County – what amazing news!! We have our very own Sports Star in Parenta! Great work, Yvonne!! Keep us posted with pics of all your winning tournaments!
Pippa Cain has exciting news that she will become a glamorous Grandma in September! Congratulations Pippa – Get knitting!!
Are They Ready? Rethinking ‘School Readiness’
Don’t miss our July webinar and join us for Are They Ready? Rethinking ‘School Readiness’ with early years consultant and trainer Tamsin Grimmer as she unpacks one of the most talked-about topics in early education.
Monday 14th July 10.30 – 11.30 am
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!
Calling all our fabulous Childcare SuperHeroes
Join our Facebook group to celebrate and share the excitement! Post photos of our amazing learners, their employers, and new software customers receiving their welcome boxes – and don’t forget to share your own snaps too.
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It’s a great way to stay connected and engaged. Huge thanks to everyone who’s already joined in – let’s keep the momentum going!
πΈ Join the fun and share your photos here:
And, if you want a cool Childcare Superhero themed background for Teams, then you can find those here!
EXTRA! EXTRA! The testimonials and reviews keep coming in, and we’re so pleased to see such great feedback!
June’s winner is… drumroll… Joanne Yates! Congratulations, Joanne – enjoy your £50 Amazon voucher.
Want to win £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.
Time For Celebration!!!
We have received over
40 Testimonials this month alone!
This is the largest amount of testimonials received in the last 12 months
Aliya Y
“I had an amazing experience with Parenta doing my level 2 and actually completing it. Especially my tutor, she was with me all the way through and helped me every step of the way. At times, I doubted myself and complained that I could not complete my Level 2, but she always gave me confidence that I could do it. She always replied to my emails and messages. If it were not for her, I would never have done it. Parenta is a good training provider and I would recommend it to anyone. I am so satisfied that I have decided to do my Level 3 as well. Thank you, Parenta!”
Beki S
“I have a learner who has severe dyslexia and anxiety. Her tutor's support and guidance were over and above, and she really brought the best out of my learner. She understood and took time to get to know her and how she works. My learner was happy that someone gave her time and believed in her.
My learner is now at her end-point assessment and couldn't be happier. I just want to say a massive thank you to her tutor, her communication with my learner and me has been fantastic. She really is an asset to your company.”
Fatima M
“The Parenta webinar on 11/06/25 was really good. "Shaping Positive Behaviours in EY" has lots of good information for us to understand better from Dr Sue Roffey.”
Reese O
“I am thoroughly enjoying my Early Years Apprenticeship with Parenta. I have been on the course since April 2024, and my tutor is extremely helpful with giving me learning opportunities and helping me with any struggles I come across throughout my course.”
Victoria S
“As an older student, I wasn't really sure how things would work; however, my tutor put me at ease from her first visit.
Since starting my Level 3 in 2024, she has supported, motivated and encouraged me at every step.
My time as a Level 3 apprentice has been very challenging both personally and professionally; without my tutor's continuous support, I would not be at this end assessment stage.
Her encouragement during my moments of doubt has made a big difference. Her positive attitude and faith in my abilities have really helped me overcome the many challenges I faced along the way.”
Courtney L
“My tutor was a massive support throughout both my level 2 and 3 qualifications, and I couldn’t have done it without her continuous support. She never gave up on me, even when I didn’t believe in myself and has helped me massively grow not only as a practitioner but as a person. She has been there to support me not only through my work but been there to listen to all my ups and downs and has always been my biggest supporter. Finishing my qualifications, I can honestly say that she has become not just a tutor but a lifelong friend whom I will never forget. She has been with me since I was 16 and was able to finish it with me at 20. I would recommend her to everyone who ever asks, as she has always been more than just a tutor; she’s been my therapist, my tutor, my friend throughout it all. Thank you to Parenta for everything. I couldn’t have done it without you. π«ΆπΌ”
Millie L
“My Tutor has been the most helpful person I could’ve asked for. Not only has she helped me throughout my whole course, but throughout the last year, she has been what feels like my light at the end of a dark tunnel. At times when I was struggling, I knew that she was always there to help me with anything. I genuinely couldn’t have wished for a better tutor and mentor; you are an inspiration to any person in the early years sector.”
Lucy H
“I have only had my tutor for the very end of my course, but she has been a fabulous and approachable tutor who has given me the friendly push I needed to complete my level 3. She has an enthusiastic and warm approach, is keen to help wherever she can and has given me confidence that I can achieve things. Thank you!”
Well Done, Keep Them Coming!
Resources to help us, our learners, and our settings
We welcomed to our Parenta Family in June:
1st - Rachaelle Lewis, Early Years Tutor
16th - Suzanne Ryan, Early Years Tutor
16th - Harry Wren, Early Years Tutor
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30th - Hannah Mohammed, Communication and Compliance Support Apprentice
30th - Lily Spring, Communication and Compliance Support Apprentice
30th - Dawn Macdonald, Early Years Tutor
We welcome to our Parenta Family in July:
1st - Connor Budworth, Sales Administrator
