Great feedback for a Development Coach at The Childcare Company

Sometimes, the most powerful testament to exceptional teaching comes not from awards or accolades, but from the heartfelt words of learners whose lives have been genuinely transformed.

That’s exactly what happened when one of our learners reached out with an incredibly moving message to her apprenticeship Development Coach, Erica Whitcombe. Join us now as we share this heartwarming childcare apprenticeship success story with all of you.

The challenge facing the learner

Cameron Stewart worked as an Independent Living Support Worker for Norfolk County Council at the start of his course. He took to the work like a natural; but did experience some anxiety about getting everything done and whether he’d complete the course successfully. He had even, at one point, considered dropping out of the course altogether.

That said, his concerns were unfounded. Cameron completed the TQUK Level 4 Certificate in Higher Education, Children, Young People and Families Practitioner apprenticeship in May 2025, achieving a Distinction – the highest level of achievement.

Career progression after the apprenticeship

The course had an instant, positive impact on Cameron’s career prospects. Almost immediately after completing the course, Cameron started a new position within Norfolk County Council’s Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children’s Service as a Personal Advisor; a prime example of apprenticeship career progression.

This opportunity means a lot to me, as I have a real passion for working with migrants. I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to grow professionally, contribute to a supportive team, and continue to help and guide vulnerable young people.

How apprenticeship support made the difference

The completion of his children and young people apprenticeship, with a Distinction no less, was certainly a catalyst for this step up in Cameron’s career. That’s why, when the course came to an end, Cameron felt compelled to contact his Development Coach, Erica, to thank her for the learning journey she’d taken him on, and for the support she’d provided throughout.

Erica Whitcombe specialises in working with Residential Childcare professionals, helping them to develop the skills and confidence they need to make a real difference in young people’s lives.

However, as Cameron’s feedback demonstrates, her impact goes far beyond curriculum delivery. His words paint a picture of a coach who doesn’t just teach. She inspires, empowers, and genuinely cares about learner success.

Here is Cameron’s heartfelt message in full:

Hey Erica,

I need to thank you from my heart on how you got me to this stage. You have been such an amazing and inspirational tutor. I have thoroughly loved learning from you; but also, feeling empowered to continue after I had a crisis of confidence.

You really are an incredible human being. I am going to miss having our one-to-ones, and putting the world to rights. I will take on your guidance and advice on believing in myself more. I just need to really express to you how much I am grateful and thankful to you for making me feel I can achieve.

I have learned a lot in the last 18 months from you, and it has helped me, not only professionally, but also personally to adapt and see situations in my own circle, and respond to them better – and in healthy ways.

I really wish you all the best. I cannot stress enough you are such an inspiration. I really look up to you, and will, with pride, take your qualities, which I admire, into my next stages of life.

I am feeling quite emotional about it all! So, thank you again Erica. You are the best.

Skills and personal development gained

What strikes us most about Cameron’s feedback is how Erica helped him through what he describes as a ‘wobble.’ Instead of giving up, Cameron found himself re-energised and motivated to continue, thanks to Erica’s support and encouragement.

Cameron highlights how their one-to-one sessions became something he looked forward to – opportunities not just for learning, but for meaningful connection and guidance.

The true measure of exceptional teaching lies in its lasting impact; just one of the benefits of apprenticeships in childcare. Cameron’s testimonial shows just how profound that can be. He credits Erica with helping him grow personally, as well as professionally, demonstrating the knock-on effect impactful learning can have on all aspects of a person’s life. This integrated approach to development is what truly sets our Development Coaches apart.

 Why people choose The Childcare Company

Most tellingly, Cameron speaks about taking Erica’s qualities forward into his next life chapter. When a learner says they want to “steal with pride” their coach’s admirable qualities, you know that the experience has created something special.

At a time when the residential childcare sector faces significant challenges, having coaches like Erica who can inspire and develop talented professionals is invaluable. Her ability to make learners feel they can achieve while building their confidence and self-belief, represents the very best of what development coaching should be.

How apprenticeships benefit employers in Residential Care

Cameron’s emotional tribute, complete with his admission that he’s “feeling quite emotional about it all“, reminds us that behind every successful apprenticeship, there is a Development Coach who went the extra mile, believed when others doubted, and created a learning environment where people could truly flourish. When people flourish, not only does the learner benefit, but employers do too.

The Childcare Company’s coach-led approach ensures:

• Better staff capability
• Positive outcomes for young people
• A more confident workforce
• Improved retention rates
• Increased levels of morale

Apprenticeships create a ripple effect that will benefit not just Cameron, but everyone he works with in his role supporting young people.

The Erica Effect

Stories like Cameron’s remind us why we do what we do. When a learner moves from uncertainty to confidence, from considering quitting to feeling empowered for their next chapter, that’s the magic of exceptional coaching in action.

An apprenticeship is one thing. A development coach apprenticeship is quite another. Erica Whitcombe clearly embodies everything we hope for in apprenticeship learning support for our Development Coaches – professional expertise combined with genuine care, structured learning delivered with personal warmth, and the rare ability to see potential in others even when they can’t see it in themselves.

Cameron may have graduated from his formal learning journey, but the impact of Erica’s coaching will continue to benefit the young people he supports, creating a lasting legacy that extends far beyond any single qualification.

Build confidence, skills, and career progression. Develop your team with expert support. Reach out to The Childcare Company team today. Call 01753 596 004, or hit the button below.