Richard Powell, head cook at Pennypot Day Nursery in Chobham, Surrey, is the first to win the Childbase chain's attendance scheme competition, which was launched last year to highlight the impact of absence on its business and teams.
In recognition of his 100 per cent attendance record over the last six months, and for not having had a day off sick since starting at the nursery in 2006, Mr Powell was presented with a cheque for £10,000 by the company's chief executive Mike Thompson and nursery manager Jane Waterhouse.
Mr Thompson said, 'It's wonderful to have members of our team like Richard who are such an inspiration to others. We're sure he'll continue to retain his exemplary attendance record and carry on cooking delicious food for our children every day.'
Mr Powell said that when he received the call from human resources to say he had won the prize he first thought it was a joke, until the money appeared in his bank account.
'Winning the prize was a complete surprise,' he said. 'I am overwhelmed but very grateful for the win. The money has gone towards a new family car and kitchen.'
The qualified chef started at Pennypot nursery four years ago after working as a cook at a golf club in Ascot.
'I love working at the nursery,' he said. 'It's a really nice place to work and the training is great. Being able to cook with fresh ingredients rather than frozen is great, and the working hours really suit my family life.'
