It takes a special kind of person to make a real difference to a child's life. Registered childminder Jackie Deacon holds the qualities that parents and children hold dear to their hearts. Not only is she bubbly and charismatic, she will do anything in her power to ensure that her children get the best care possible - whatever their needs might be.
When Jackie became aware of the shortages of places for children with special educational needs, she and her colleagues underwent training and now provide care for five SEN children from her accredited childminding network, PJ's Helping Hands in Essex. She has also secured government funding for three- and four-year-olds so that they can follow a scheme of work that adheres to the Foundation Stage curriculum, allowing them to be educated in a friendly, relaxed and secure environment.
At last year's Excellence in Childcare Awards, run by Kids' Clubs Network with Sure Start, Nursery World and Prima magazine, Jackie was rewarded for her work. She was given the title of Childcarer of the Year and spent a week relaxing in the Mexican sunshine.
The nominations for this year's renamed Childcare Stars awards are now open and Nursery World readers can enter childcarers in four categories: playworker, registered childminder, nursery worker or professionally qualified childcarer. Supporters of the event include the National Childminding Association and the National Day Nurseries Association.
There are prizes worth up to 3,000 for each award category, including a holiday to the Dominican Republic and a romantic trip to Paris. Two finalists for each award will be invited to a gala dinner at the Globe Theatre in London, where the winners in each category will be announced. All finalists will receive one night's free accommodation and travel expenses.
Kids' Clubs Network chief executive Anne Longfield says, 'For the seventh year running we are shining the spotlight on the enormously talented and dedicated people who work in childcare. Whether you work in a nursery, out-of-school club or as a childminder we are looking for the best - the Childcare Stars of 2004. This is your chance to tell the world that childcare is a demanding, but also a hugely rewarding career choice. So send us the nominations for the very best childcarers.'
Nursery World editor Liz Roberts says, 'We're delighted to be involved with these awards again. We know that our readers are dedicated to providing the best possible care for children and we hope that lots of you will enter.'
The awards celebrate key achievements and dedication in childcare, nursery work, playwork and childminding. So, if you know someone who deserves this award, now is the time to show your appreciation.
Here are the award categories:
Prima Childcarer of the Year
In partnership with Prima
Do you know a childcarer who is dedicated, inspirational, supportive, fun and lots more? Nominations for this category can be someone who works as a nursery nurse, a childminder or any other registered childcare worker.
Unfortunately, informal carers such as grandparents or friends are not eligible. The winner will spend a week in the Dominican Republic and the runner-up will be wined and dined in Paris for the weekend.
Prima Baby Nursery
Worker of the Year
In partnership with the National Day Nurseries Association
The winner will be caring and enthusiastic, have lots of stamina and delight in sharing children's discovery of their world. He or she will be a truly exceptional individual who has made a real difference to the lives of children and their families.
The prize includes a weekend of sightseeing in London with a day at a health spa and tickets to a West End show. The runner-up will spend a day at a premier health spa, getting pampered from head to toe.
Childminder of the Year
In partnership with the National Childminding Association
The champion childminders - all working in their own homes - should provide quality care, learning opportu- nities and that extra something special. The winner will spend a weekend in the chocolate capital of the world, Brussels, and the runner-up will dine in style on a London river cruise and spend the night in a five-star hotel.
Playworker of the Year
Is there a playworker who stands out from the crowd? Exceptional playworkers should have a great understanding of children's needs while being resourceful, creative, supportive and inspiring. If you know someone who fits the bill, they could be destined for a weekend of wine tasting in the Loire Valley. The runner-up will receive UK tickets to a concert of their choice, along with overnight hotel accommodation and dinner.
To nominate your favourite childcarer, please fill out the form on the right and send it to the specified address by 12 April 2004.
If you would like further information about the awards and prizes you can contact Kids' Clubs Network on 020 7512 2100 or look on the website www.kidsclubs.org.uk.You can also download the entry form from www.nurseryworld.co.uk.
