Nursery World - Best of all

This year's Excellence in Childcare Awards, run by Kids' Clubs Network with Nursery World and Prima magazines, saw even more inspiring good practice in childcare. Anne Wiltsher reports Playworker of the year

Playworker of the year

Kelly-Ann Fitzgerald

Cuddles Eager Beavers, Walthamstow, London

When Kelly-Ann Fitzgerald took over the running of Cuddles Eager Beavers last summer she wanted to run it 'on a more common sense basis', she says. The parent who nominated Kelly-Ann for the award says that she has developed the after-school club 'in a very positive way' since she took over and made a 'huge difference to the atmosphere and philosophy' of the club.

For example, Kelly-Ann has simplified the information pack and the equal opportunities policy. 'There was a pack but it was a bit long-winded and highbrow,' she says. 'I wanted to get the message across so the children could understand it - after all they're the ones who have got to keep to the rules. We have three rules only - treat each other well, treat the staff well and treat the environment and equipment well. This is easy to remember.'

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