You can download the awards book here
Helen Bingham’s outstanding contribution is woven into the fabric of the 36 primary schools and 20 nursery classes she works across as EYFS lead for the Aspire Academy Trust. Her drive to upskill all staff in the importance of the early years – from the catering staff to accountants, subject leaders and the CEO – is relentless. This tenacity and boundless energy and enthusiasm are at the core of her daily practice.
Her passion to drive up standards and improve outcomes to ensure young children get the absolute best often results in her having to turn traditional conversation starters around from ‘Will children be ready for Year 1?’ to ‘Is Year 1 ready for them?’.
For more than ten years, Helen has spread sparkle, joy and love for the youngest children and her hard work can be clearly seen in their educational and developmental outcomes, not to mention the glowing external agency and Ofsted reports.
Through her busy role she is constantly liaising with parents, children and settings, as well as trust core service teams, executive leaders and outside agencies.
In addition to her main role, she is now strategic partner across two schools and still finds time to act as guest speaker for Early Excellence and lecture for Cornwall SCITT, advocating the importance of early years for teacher trainees.
Her key line of support and enquiry starts with, ‘Are children getting off to a flying start?’ Helen encourages reflection and development by asking senior leaders, ‘Are you really providing our children with the very best?’
Helen’s relentless drive has highlighted the necessity for well-designed and purposeful outside learning environments for all EYFS pupils, and these now form part of the trust’s strategic plan. She is always hands-on, redesigning settings and filling skips, developing SEND support and the trust CPD programme, while striving to improve her own best practice – seizing opportunities for teacher exchanges through the British Council and completing her Master of Education with Distinction with the accolade of Outstanding Impact on Practice.
Her dedication and energy ensure every EYFS child is safe, well cared for, loved and has the very best start in life. The grown-ups in her charge are made to feel special too, supported in their professional development and valued and respected as EYFS practitioners and colleagues in every setting.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Marie Anslow, St Aubin Nursery Roath – Cardiff
Marie is described as a driving force to be reckoned with and has a focus on raising quality and wellbeing. She has worked for the nursery group for almost 20 years, currently as manager of its newest setting, taking it to full capacity with a waiting list.
Along with being a supportive leader, Marie gets hands-on and involved with educational activities and the daily chores to encourage a can-do attitude. She is a motivator and keeps morale high. She is noted for having a natural ability to push her way through obstacles and raise levels and practices to a high standard which inspire employees across the group.
FINALISTS
• Joan Bannister, Paint Pots Nurseries and Pre-Schools – Southampton
• Mandy Farrer, Diamond Wood Community Academy – Dewsbury
• Deborah Hutler, Blackberries Childcare Group – Cambridgeshire
• Linda Richardson, Hitchin House Day Nursery – Hitchin
CRITERION
For an ‘unsung hero’ – an early years practitioner whose long service and dedication in day-to-day work with young children are truly inspiring.
