tigers Partner with MCR Pathways for The Biology of Belonging
tigers are thrilled to welcome MCR Pathways to our growing community of valued partners, with the Glasgow-founded charity joining Aberlour Children’s Charity and The Wise Group as headline sponsors for The Biology of Belonging.
The Biology of Belonging is a groundbreaking, two-day – Not For Profit - conference bringing local and international voices to the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow to explore the biological, physiological and psychological impact of belonging on the brains of children, young people and adults.
We are welcoming leading speakers such as Dan Siegel, Claudia Gold, James Docherty and Vivian McKinnon to the stage, with former broadcaster and current child therapist Kate Silverton chairing the event, helping to frame the content of both days for our audience.
This two-day event will feature keynote presentations, fireside chats, immersive workshops and audience Q&As, exploring the topics of children and young people's mental health, the power of relationships in a divisive world, the impact of restorative practice in the justice system, and benefits to business of adopting inclusive and trauma-informed polices and practice.
MCR Pathways were founded in 2007, with the vision of helping young people unlock their potential, no matter their circumstances. Working together with their inspiring mentor community and partners, they can help young people to realise their skills and progress onto a positive destination. Their vision is for all young people to experience equality of education outcomes, career opportunities and life chances.
MCR Pathways is a life-changing mentoring charity dedicated to helping every young person - especially those who had an unfair start - find their flicker of ambition and ignite that spark.
MCR Pathways believe in the power of connection, the transformative potential of mentoring. They believe that a single spark of connection can change a life, connecting young people with dedicated, caring volunteer mentors. They become trusted role models. They offer consistent support, encouragement, and a listening ear. They empower young people to define their own ambitions, supporting them on a journey from aspiration to achievement. It’s more than academic success; it’s about instilling belief, behaviours, wellbeing, resilience, and the power to thrive.
Speaking on forming this exciting new partnership, tigers Group Managing Director Pauline Scott said: “At the heart of this conference is a simple belief that when individuals experience true belonging, they can grow, heal, and thrive. That individual transformation, when nurtured and sustained, becomes the foundation of empowered communities. And those communities, in turn, hold the potential to shape more just, compassionate, and resilient societies.
We are immensely grateful to our colleagues at MCR Pathways for their sponsorship. They have helped our aim of inclusivity, enabling more individuals and communities to experience the insights of our renowned international speakers.”
Speaking on joining our community of lead sponsors & partners, MCR Pathways Chief Executive Sharon McIntyre said: “We’re really proud to be supporting tigers Group’s conference and its powerful focus on the Biology of Belonging. At MCR Pathways, we know just how life-changing a sense of belonging can be — it’s at the heart of everything we do.
When a young person feels seen, heard and supported, something incredible happens. That vital spark of ambition — the one that might have been dimmed by tough circumstances — can start to burn brightly again. That’s the spark we work to ignite every day through our mentoring programme.
The tigers Group’s values and vision resonate so strongly with ours. Their commitment to relationship-led practice and creating environments where everyone feels included and valued is exactly the kind of change we want to see more of — across all sectors, all communities.
This conference is a special moment — one that reminds, informs and inspires us further about the path we're all walking to drive the hope for lasting change.
It’s a privilege to stand alongside tigers at this conference. Because when we create space for connection and belonging, we don’t just change lives — we shape brighter futures.”
Celebrating Success: 9 Young People Complete Modern Apprenticeships Through Joint Venture
Last week, we were proud to celebrate a major milestone as nine incredible young people completed their Modern Apprenticeships through the groundbreaking partnership between Tigers and Morgan Sindall Construction. This collaboration, launched to address the skills gap in construction and provide meaningful pathways into employment, has gone from strength to strength—and this celebration marked the tangible impact it’s having.
This celebration event was an opportunity to recognise not only the hard work and growth of the young people involved, but also the power of relationships in transforming lives. From the outset, this initiative was designed to go beyond training—to create real opportunities for young people to thrive in the world of work.
Congratulations to:
Bradley Rowlands
Marcus Hope
Benny Timpson
Teighan Fagan
Taylor O’Brien
Tristan O’Keefe
Luka Hanlon
Craig Huggon
Lewis McCotter
A special congratulations goes to Lewis McCotter as he was named Apprentice of the year! His prize, £300 towards driving lessons or vouchers of the same value to spend where he chooses.
Thank you to our partners:
Paradigm Landscapes, Dalcon Civil Engineering Ltd, Daw Signs, Roskel, Pro Signs, Rainton Construction Scotland
Each young person will now join one of our values aligned partners to continue their career journeys.
This is just the beginning. As this joint venture continues to grow, we remain committed to empowering more young people with the skills, confidence, and experience they need to succeed.
To learn more about the journey so far, you can hear directly from young people who have previously completed this partnership:
Inspiring Potential since 2001.
tigers Partner with the Wise Group
Tigers are excited to welcome the Wise Group to our growing community of sponsors and partners for The Biology of Belonging, with the Glasgow-based social enterprise joining Aberlour Children’s Charity as one of our lead sponsors.
The Biology of Belonging is a groundbreaking, two-day – Not For Profit - conference bringing local and international voices to the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow to explore the biological, physiological and psychological impact of belonging on the brains of children, young people and adults.
We are welcoming leading speakers such as Dan Siegel, Claudia Gold, James Docherty and Vivian McKinnon to the stage, with former broadcaster and current child therapist Kate Silverton chairing the event, helping to frame the content of both days for our audience.
This two-day event will feature keynote presentations, fireside chats, immersive workshops and audience Q&As, exploring the topics of children and young people's mental health, the power of relationships in a divisive world, the impact of restorative practice in the justice system, and benefits to business of adopting inclusive and trauma-informed polices and practice.
The Wise Group is one of the UK’s leading social enterprises, working across Scotland and England to support people facing complex, connected challenges that limit life chances - from skills gaps and poor mental health to housing instability and economic inactivity.
They work in close partnership with both the Scottish and UK Governments and others, using their evidence-led Relational Mentoring model to help people overcome barriers, prevent crisis, and build long-term resilience.
Whether supporting people on remand to keep housing and family ties, or helping young people excluded from education into sustained work, the Wise Group focuses on what works - creating better outcomes, reducing public cost, and building stronger communities.
Speaking on this new partnership, tigers Group Commercial Director Gerry Hamill said: “We’re proud to have another values-aligned partner in the Wise Group joining this fantastic community of social innovators. A sense of belonging isn’t a nice to have, it’s a core human need, vital for our children, young people, and the adults who shape their world.
This event offers a bold, research-led development opportunity for current and future leaders, blending cutting-edge neurobiology with real world impact across our workplaces, communities, and wider society.”
Sean Duffy, CEO of the Wise Group said: “The Wise Group is proud to be part of the Tigers ‘Biology of Belonging’ conference this year.
At the Wise Group, we work with people navigating some of life’s hardest moments - poverty, isolation, trauma - and we know that change begins with connection. Belonging isn’t a luxury; it’s a foundation for hope, resilience, and growth.
Rooted in our Relational Mentoring approach, we build trust with the people we support, walking alongside them as they shape better futures. Like Tigers and Aberlour, we believe every individual deserves to feel seen, valued, and safe - because only then can they truly thrive.
This conference is an important opportunity to reflect on what belonging really means in practice - and how we can work together to create services and systems that put relationships, dignity, and humanity at their heart.”
tigers Partner with Sacro for The Biology of Belonging
tigers are thrilled to be partnering with Sacro for The Biology of Belonging, with the organisation joining our ever growing community for this groundbreaking event.
Sacro is a Scottish community justice organisation which works to deliver life-changing services that empower people, give hope and protection, and help to build safe communities.
The Biology of Belonging will welcome a diverse range of local and international voices to the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow on May 7th & 8th, including Dan Siegel, Claudia Gold, Vivian McKinnon and James Docherty, with limited tickets still available. Hosting this event, and tying together the content of the day for the audience will be former broadcaster and child therapist, Kate Silverton.
As part of this immersive experience, we are welcoming Darren Burns, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Timpson Group and head of The Timpson Foundation, who will be speaking at a business breakfast on the Thursday morning, giving insight into Darren’s journey, as well as the pioneering business and recruitment model at Timpson.
Commenting on the new partnership, tigers Group Commercial Director Gerry Hamill said: “We’re thrilled to have another values-aligned partner in Sacro backing The Biology of Belonging. Belonging isn’t just a feeling, it’s a biological need, essential for our children, young people, and the adults who support them.
This event offers a forward-thinking professional development experience for current and future leaders, grounding the latest research and neurobiology in the real-world spaces of our businesses, communities, and society at large.”
Speaking on this new partnership, Director of Justice at Sacro, Lynne Thornhill said: “Sacro is delighted to be partnering with tigers for their 'The Biology of Belonging' event, and as an organisation that shares our values and our belief in the importance that positive connections and relationships have in changing people’s lives for the better.
Our approach too is centred around people. Our services are co-produced and designed with input from the very people who use them, and we provide support without judgement, informed by each person's individual needs and background.
Building, maintaining and nurturing strong, positive relationships is critical in supporting people to thrive, and we appreciate the work Tigers does in fostering and promoting this approach.”
Sacro descriptors (2025)
Short version
Sacro is a Scottish community justice organisation which delivers life-changing services that empower people, give hope and protection, and help to build safe communities. The organisation provides a wide range of direct, innovative services in Community Justice, Community Safety and Public Protection. Its services are designed to reduce conflict and offending and are developed in partnership with the people and communities we support.
People are at the centre of all we do. We treat everyone inclusively, respectfully, and do not judge. Sacro supports a broad range of people, including those harmed by crime and those responsible for that harm.
99 words
Long version
Sacro is a Scottish community justice organisation which delivers life-changing services that empower people, give hope and protection, and help to build safe communities. The organisation provides a wide range of direct, innovative services in Community Justice, Community Safety and Public Protection. Its services are designed to reduce conflict and offending and are developed in partnership with the people and communities we support.
People are at the centre of all we do. We treat everyone inclusively, respectfully, and do not judge. Sacro operates in partnership with others who share its values to support a broad range of people, including those harmed by crime and those responsible for that harm.
Our Community Justice services work within Scotland’s communities to provide support to people leaving custody – or at risk of custody. Community-based solutions are widely recognised as effective, credible alternatives to custody with a much higher rate of success in reducing reoffending. Sacro’s Community Justice services are designed to help people live safely in their communities with sufficient support to address their individual needs and reduce or eliminate the risk of reoffending.
Keeping the public safe from harm, discrimination and conflict is crucial to ensuring Scotland is a place of safety, inclusiveness, and wellbeing for everyone. Sacro’s Community Safety services provide support to address and raise awareness of hate crime, intolerance and abusive behaviour targeted at specific communities due to gender, race, colour, religion, or sexual orientation. We work with victims of crime and discrimination to provide the support they need to live peacefully and safely.
Sacro’s Public Protection services provide intensive monitoring and support to manage the risk of further offending by people who are assessed as posing a risk within the community. As with all services, we support individuals by providing bespoke support plans linked to their risks and needs in order to reduce the risk of harm.
Sacro is also an accredited training provider and provides consultancy and training services in Mediation and Restorative Justice to equip Sacro and other organisations to deliver best practice.
The organisation also works to promote wider understanding of the needs and issues of the people we support. To achieve our vision where Scotland is a place of safety, inclusiveness, and wellbeing for everyone, we seek to influence policy and legislation to increase the provision of evidence-based solutions based on the use of restorative practices and constructive conflict resolution, with the use of imprisonment restricted to those who have committed serious crimes or present a danger to the public.
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tigers Partner with Aberlour for The Biology of Belonging
tigers Group are delighted to be partnering with Aberlour Children’s Charity for The Biology of Belonging. Aberlour have generously agreed to lead our community of sponsors and will be exhibiting at the event too.
The Biology of Belonging is a groundbreaking, two-day – Not For Profit - conference bringing local and international voices to the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow to explore the biological, physiological and psychological impact of belonging on the brains of children, young people and adults.
We are welcoming leading speakers such as Dan Siegel, Claudia Gold, James Docherty and Vivian McKinnon to the stage, with former broadcaster and current child therapist Kate Silverton chairing the event, helping to frame the content of both days for our audience.
This two-day event will feature keynote presentations, fireside chats, immersive workshops and audience Q&As, exploring the topics of children and young people's mental health, the power of relationships in a divisive world, the impact of restorative practice in the justice system, and benefits to business of adopting inclusive and trauma-informed polices and practice.
Aberlour is the largest solely Scottish children’s charities, helping to improve the lives of Scotland’s disadvantaged children and young people.
Aberlour’s mission is to reach Scotland’s disadvantaged children as early as possible to stop damage being done, before families reach crisis point, before it’s too late. Acting quickly, significantly improves long-term outcomes for children and young people.
Speaking on this new partnership, Group Commercial Director, Gerry Hamill said:
“We are delighted to have a values-aligned partner like Aberlour supporting The Biology of Belonging. Belonging is a fundamental biological need for our children, young people, and the adults in the lives of young people.
This event is an innovative professional development opportunity for leaders or aspiring leaders, bringing the most current research and neurobiology into our businesses, communities and of course society. ”
Speaking on their support of The Biology of Belonging, Aberlour Chief Executive, SallyAnn Kelly OBE said:
“Aberlour Children’s Charity is delighted to be sponsoring the Tigers ‘Biology of Belonging’ conference this year.
Supporting disadvantaged children and young people who have faced difficulties and trauma has never been more important, something Aberlour has been doing for 150 years. We understand the value of, and are committed to building strong relationships. Aligned with the UNCRC and Keeping the Promise we believe that every child should feel safe, loved and that they belong, in order to thrive and not just survive.
This conference is a chance to reflect, explore and understand the importance of that sense of belonging and why it matters for all children, young people and families across Scotland. “
Classroom to Construction Site: Hands-On Learning for Foundation Apprentices
Foundation Apprenticeships create opportunities for pupils to take their first steps into industry. With our delivery in North Lanarkshire showcasing this by allowing a group of pupils form Coatbridge and St Ambrose High Schools undertaking their Foundation Apprenticeship on a live site.
In partnership with Kier, North Lanarkshire Council and hub South West Scotland we are able to deliver Foundation Apprenticeships on the site of St Kevin’s Community Hub. Allowing the young people to experience life in construction and understand what really happens on a live site.
Running through the duration of the academic year, from August 2024 to June 2025, the students attend every Friday and spend the full day in the environment of a live site. Throughout the year they will learn skills in bricklaying, joinery and more, along with soft skills such as employability. A significant part of their Foundation Apprenticeship is the completion of a work based project. To complete this they are building benches that will go into the Bargeddie Community Gardens, allowing the young people to make a tangible positive impact in their own community.
We thank our partners for the opportunity and experience provided to these young people. These collaborations provide students with insights into the construction industry’s expectations and opportunities, bridging the gap between education and employment. We believe that investing in apprentices is an investment in the future of the construction industry. Through collaboration, training, and real-world experience, we are preparing the next generation of skilled professionals who will go on to shape Scotland’s construction sector for years to come.
Inspiring Potential since 2001.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025
Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a big deal here at tigers. We’re always excited to hear from candidates about their apprenticeships. We want to know what they learned and how they’ve grown as people, both personally and professionally.
During the week, we caught up with both Foundation and Modern Apprenticeships on their experiences, we had a look behind the scenes and made sure to have fun throughout the week.
Our content from the week
To kickstart Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025, we had the pleasure of joining Jackie Baillie MSP on a visit to Drumfork Nursery & Family Centre in Helensburgh. The visit was a fantastic opportunity to witness the impact of apprenticeships in early years education and to celebrate the commitment of those shaping the future of childcare.
To read this blog in full, please visit: Drumfork Nursery & Family Centre visit with Jackie Baillie MSP
Caitlyn shared her journey of completing a Level 4 (SCQF Level 9) Modern Apprenticeship in Early Years at Lullaby Lane Nurseries and how this has prepared her for her next steps into leadership!
We spoke to Jayden, Curtis & Lillie who showcase the benefits of the apprenticeship family, having completed Foundation Apprenticeships while at school, they are looking ahead with ambitions to undertake Modern Apprenticeships!
Having studied to become an Art Teacher, Katie struggled to find permanent work and looked towards Early Years. Now completing a Modern Apprenticeship at Lullaby Lane Nurseries, Katie is loving life in Early Years and we were delighted to be able to share her story!
Sophie first joined tigers as a Foundation Apprentice while at school, before completing an Early Years Modern Apprenticeship at Lullaby Lane Nurseries and is now back at tigers group as a Digital Marketing Apprentice!
Chloe has found her way into Construction through joining the team at tigers as an apprentice trainer! Working with the experienced team at our Construction Academy, Chloe is ready to inspire more young women into the industry!
We also went behind the scenes at our Construction Academy, with a day in the life, finding out what a day looks like completing a Modern Apprenticeship with tigers!
@tigersgroup_ 🦺 Spend a day with us at our Construction Academy and find out more about what a #ModernApprenticeship with tigers entails! #ScotAppWeek25 #MadeForBusiness #InspiringPotential ♬ original sound - tigers
We had some fun, inviting all our apprentices to take park in the sunglasses trend, Scottish Apprenticeship Week edition 😎
@tigersgroup_ 😎 Sunglasses trend Scottish Apprenticeship Week edition 🕶 #scotappweek25 #madeforbusiness #inspiringpotential #sunglassestrend #sunglasses #fyp #youngpeople ♬ original sound - 𝓆𝒾𝓁 - 𝔮𝔦𝔩
Paradigm Landscapes shared a thought-provoking blog on how they support the next generation, celebrating the opportunities that apprenticeships create for young people and businesses across Scotland!
Read this blog in full: Scottish Apprenticeship Week: How Paradigm Landscapes Supports the Next Generation
We were also proud to share a new blog, on what has been A Year of Exceptional Achievement in Qualification Delivery, which included highlighted starting Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025 with over 500 live candidates, all progressing through various qualifications. Along with having successfully certificated over 1000 candidates over the past year.
Read this blog in full: A Year of Exceptional Achievement in Qualification Delivery
We’re already looking forward to Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026, see you there!
Celebrating #IWD2025
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible women in leadership at Lullaby Lane Nurseries. This year, we’re privileged to share the stories and experiences of our talented depute managers, who bring passion, dedication, and inspiration to our nurseries every day.
In this special feature, you’ll hear firsthand about their unique journeys—from starting as apprentices to becoming leaders within our organisation. They’ll share insights on balancing work and family life, the challenges and rewards of being a working mother, and how they navigate the responsibilities of leadership while staying true to themselves.
Join us as we celebrate their achievements, learn from their experiences, and continue to support and uplift women in leadership roles at Lullaby Lane Nurseries and beyond.
Collette Cassidy
Hello, my name is Colette Cassidy, I am one of our Depute Managers at Lullaby Lane Nursery Milngavie.
My journey at Lullaby Lane started 10 years ago as a Modern Apprentice when I was only 16 years old. I have always been passionate about watching children grow & thrive. After 4 wonderful years of caring for our babies, I decided I would like to take the next step in my career. This is when I completed my SVQ Level 4 in Leadership & Management & progressed onto my team leader position. My passion has always been creating a safe, nurturing environment full of love for our children and now leading our team to support them grow & develop is now one of my many responsibilities.
In 2021 I first became a mum to my little boy, then 2022 we completed our family with my little girl. Returning from maternity leave was difficult but I was so fortunate to have a wonderful team around me to support. I had always wanted to continue to progress within my career after having my family. Upon my return to work I was promoted to Depute Manager.
I am forever grateful for the support in helping me to find a healthy work & family life balance.
Rachael McElroy
I have been with Lullaby for 8 years in June this year! Starting off my journey at Lullaby Westerton as a nursery practitioner then moving to our Milngavie site. Whilst in Milngavie I was promoted to Deputy Manager and moved back to our Westerton nursery. Throughout my time working my way up I have had nothing but support from all the ladies in leadership at Lullaby, without them I wouldn’t have the confidence I have today to be where I am!
Whilst at Westerton I was promoted to Manager, and I then fell pregnant with my first child. This was a whole new experience for me however the support from Pauline and Donna made the transition so much easier. I was thinking miles ahead in terms of when I would return/hours, however Pauline assured me just to enjoy my time with my boy as I wouldn’t know how I felt until I had him. When it was time to return, it was a scary stage. I struggled with post-natal anxiety and was starting to feel better but then it was time to settle my baby and return myself.
However, this was made so much easier as I was able to chat with Pauline regarding my hours and my position, as I was bringing Rio to Milngavie to support my work life balance. I also moved back to Milngavie and joined the leadership team as one of our deputy mangers.
I feel there is a stigma around women having a career and family however it is manageable if you’re able to set your own boundaries and have a fantastic team behind you like I do! The highlight of being in leadership is supporting our team to be the best they can be to support our children.
Natalie Agnew
My journey at Lullaby Lane started nearly 7 years ago. Before this I worked in the third sector and during my maternity leave with my first child, the funding for my role ended, so I began to look for other opportunities. This is when I came across Lullaby Lane. It was a daunting time returning to work after being in a baby bubble for so long, and especially to become the new person in the workplace again, but I was welcomed into the team with open arms and this really helped ease me back into the world of work after 9 months off.
I have continued to progress within the nursery from a modern apprentice up to my current role as Depute Manager. When I voiced that I’d like to take on more responsibility within the nursery this was always met with support and opportunities to allow me to do this. The leadership team championed me and if I ever needed help or made the wrong decision then someone was always there.
In between all of this, I’ve had my second baby, who will be 2 soon. Again, this was met with nothing but love and support from those around me at Lullaby.
This made going off on maternity leave and returning to work a lot easier than I imagined, as the connection was still maintained in a number of ways throughout my time off.
Of course, it’s always hard finding that balance between work and motherhood but working in a female orientated workplace you’re always met with people who you can relate to and who understand what it’s like when you’ve been up every hour throughout the night, or you don’t want to miss your child’s sports day. It helps you to realise that you’re not alone and you build a sense of community with people who are always there to pick you up when you need it. I’m lucky that the other deputes and our manager, Donna, are all working mums as well, so we all pull together to ensure we are getting that time to navigate being in a leadership role whilst being a mum.
There’s no better feeling when you’ve got people around you who celebrate your little ones as much as you do.
There can sometimes still be a stigma around women in leadership, and that women should have to choose between a career or a family, but with the right people around then it’s possible to be both.
A Year of Exceptional Achievement in Qualification Delivery
At Tigers, we are dedicated to empowering individuals through high-quality training and apprenticeships, and this past contract year has been a testament to our commitment. We are proud to share that, according to a recent Systems Verification conducted by SQA, Tigers has demonstrated exceptional success in apprenticeship delivery.
500+ Live Candidates & 1000+ Certifications
One of the standout findings from the verification was the incredible volume of candidates actively engaged with Tigers. We start Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025 with over 500 live candidates, all progressing through various qualifications. We have also successfully certificated over 1000 candidates over the past year—a number that will continue to rise as more candidates complete their qualifications.
Our Partners
Spark of Genius – with 91 candidates registered since our partnership began in 2022, our work with Spark of Genius has seen them become our largest partner in our Social Services Children and Young People (SSCYP) delivery. Covering both Level 3 and 4 Modern Apprenticeship we are delighted to be working so closely to help them achieve their goals of offering individualised pathways to empower and enable children and young people.
Morgan Sindall Construction – Since launching this Joint Venture (JV) in 2021 we have registered 89 young people on the Level 5 Construction Civil Engineering Operations Modern Apprenticeship. This partnership helps to address the UK wide skills gap in the Construction sector. Influenced by our Relationship Led Practice model our JV is a seismic shift in the approach to training for the construction sector, addressing emotional health, suicide and gender imbalance, as well as general skills gaps and an ageing workforce.
"Spark of Genius started working with Tigers to facilitate and support the development of our workforce, primarily through the provision of the Modern apprenticeships in August 2022. Since this time, a number of our practitioners have gained their qualifications, equipping them with knowledge, skills and expertise in residential childcare and met their SSSC registration requirements. This has all been made possible through the support, organisational arrangements and excellent communication from Yvonne and Lynsey at Tigers.”
Mags Solomon, QA & Safeguarding Manager and Shirley Cairney, Head of Children's Services, Spark of Genius
Commitment to Relationship-Led Practice
At Tigers, we firmly believe in the power of relationships to foster meaningful learning experiences. Our apprenticeship delivery is entirely face-to-face and in person, ensuring that each candidate benefits from real-time support and direct engagement with our assessors. This approach reflects our commitment to Relationship-Led Practice, where meaningful connections between trainers and learners enhance skills development, confidence, and long-term success.
By prioritising in-person engagement, we create a learning environment that is collaborative, supportive, and responsive to the individual needs of each apprentice.
Exceptional Recognition from SQA
Kelly, our external verifier from SQA, described this achievement as “exceptional for a national training provider and rare, with a wide span of delivery.” This feedback is a true credit to the dedication and hard work of the entire Tigers team, including our administration training and assessing teams.
Unlike other external visits that focus on industry-specific qualifications, SQA Systems Verification evaluates the entire approach to process, procedures, and accreditation within a training centre. This recognition highlights not only our ability to deliver at scale but also the quality and consistency of our training across multiple sectors.
Continuous Growth & Future Aspirations
While we celebrate this achievement, we are also using this feedback as an opportunity for growth. The verification process has provided us with valuable insights into how we can refine our documentation and practices to further strengthen our already robust delivery model. As we step into the 2025-26 contract year, we remain committed to continuous improvement and ensuring that Tigers remains at the forefront of training excellence.
Inspiring potential since 2001.
Drumfork Nursery & Family Centre visit with Jackie Baillie MSP
To kickstart Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025, we had the pleasure of joining Jackie Baillie MSP on a visit to Drumfork Nursery & Family Centre in Helensburgh. The visit was a fantastic opportunity to witness the impact of apprenticeships in early years education and to celebrate the commitment of those shaping the future of childcare.
Drumfork Nursery & Family Centre provides a nurturing environment for children from birth to five years, with free-flowing indoor and outdoor spaces designed to support their development through play and exploration.
We are currently working with seven Modern Apprentices at Drumfork Nursery & Family Centre who, supporting them through both level 3 and level 4 qualifications. All of these Modern Apprentices are support by our Early Years Assessor, Lynsey.
"Tigers Early Years Academy have been in partnership with Drumfork Nursery and Family Centre for a year and a half. We currently have seven candidates undertaking their SSCYP Level 3 within Drumfork. Throughout our partnership we have found Drumfork to be extremely welcoming with values that align with Tigers, you can feel the warmth and love as you walk into their purpose-built calm and tranquil establishment. Working alongside Drumfork we take on a joint approach to ensure candidates flourish and grow in their own unique way throughout their qualification to become compassionate and confident practitioners. It’s a pleasure to be part of Drumfork through working as their assessor and I am grateful for the strong connections Tigers have built there!”
Lynsey Beaton, Early Years Assessor
Beyond their commitment to high-quality childcare and training, Drumfork is also a proud supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant. Recognising the contributions of serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and military families, the nursery goes above and beyond in its support, earning the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. This reflects their dedication to ensuring no member of the Armed Forces community faces disadvantage.
Jackie Baillie MSP, a strong advocate for skills development and apprenticeships, engaged with staff and apprentices during the visit, reaffirming the importance of investing in people. Jackie also spent time chatting with the children as we passed through the different rooms, taking a genuine interest in their play and what they had to say.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week highlights the benefits of apprenticeships for individuals, businesses, and communities, and at Drumfork, this impact is clear to see. We look forward to continuing our work with the team at Drumfork Nursery & Family Centre and supporting them to create the best environment for their children to learn and grow.