The Heinemann and Nursery World Childcare Student of the Year Award is now in its eighth year and is firmly recognised as the most prestigious award within the sector.
The award recognises the achievements of students who have demonstrated excellence in the care and education of children. It also highlights colleges producing top-class students by rewarding the winning institution as well as the student.
Beth Howard, senior publisher for childcare at Heinemann, says, 'Vocational education and the provision of high-quality childcare have never been higher on the Government's agenda, so it's great that this award celebrates he fantastic work of childcare students, and those who train and support them.'
Last year, the award was given to Happiness Brown from Kensington and Chelsea College. Born in Nigeria, Happiness arrived in the UK several years ago to work as a nanny and last summer completed her CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education at Kensington and Chelsea College. Since winning the award Happiness has been very busy. Not only is she working full-time at the Nottingdale Nursery in Kensington, but one day a week she teaches local students who are studying for their GCSE in Childcare.
'It is wonderful to be able to share with others all that I have learnt,' says Happiness. In the not too distant future she is hoping to do a foundation degree course, while her ultimate goal is one day to run her own nursery.
Reflecting on the award, Happiness says, 'It was great to be named Childcare Student of the Year. It's a fantastic accolade to be recognised for doing something that I am very passionate about. Childcare is a worthwhile and rewarding profession and I'm very pleased to be a part of it.'
The judges felt that Happiness demonstrated an ability to put the children's needs first and understand the requirements of children in relation to their age and developmental stage. They praised her good insight into practice and her ability to understand a range of theory and how it relates to the real world in practical life situations.
Penny Tassoni, childcare expert and Heinemann author, says, 'Each year we have been impressed with the quality of entries for the Childcare Student of the Year, and the standard just keeps getting higher and higher. We look forward to some more exemplary entries for 2008.'
Liz Roberts, editor of Nursery World, says, 'The early years sector needs highly-trained, professional practitioners to provide the best for children, and this award recognises the stars of the future.'
This year the judges will be looking for students who show the potential to be great childcare professionals and demonstrate outstanding performance on their courses. Heinemann and Nursery World look forward to receiving nominations for students throughout the UK studying across the breadth of training provision now available.
Nominees will be invited to a judging ceremony at Heinemann's offices in Oxford in July 2008 and the winners will be announced the same day. This year's winner will be presented with a certificate along with a free 12-month subscription to Nursery World and a cheque from Heinemann for £300. The student's college will also receive a £300 Heinemann voucher. The runners-up will receive a cheque for £100 along with £75 of Heinemann vouchers for their school or college.
How to enter
Online: Entry forms can be downloaded from the Heinemann website at www.heinemann.co.uk/childcareform
By post: Call 01865 314651 and request a form to be sent out.
The form should be completed by the student's tutor, and the student must be studying either part-time or full-time for a childcare qualification. The closing date for entries is 5pm on Monday 31 March.
To find out more about the Childcare Student of the Year Award sign up for the Heinemann Childcare eNewsletter at www.heinemann.co.uk/vocnews.
