Prima Baby Award for Early Years Childcarer
Sponsored by Childcare Innovations Partnership (in association with the National Day Nurseries Association and Pre-school Learning Alliance) Winner: Fran Rawlings-Watts, Beginnings Early Childhood Centre, London Through hard work and sound knowledge of good practice of working with under-threes, deputy head Fran is credited with transforming the centre's baby room. 'It is a joy to see the children and team flourishing under Fran's sensitive and creative leadership,' says centre director Miri Lawrence. Fran has boosted staff morale, built strong links with parents and developed detailed documentation to record children's progress.
'When I joined the centre two years ago the staff were unmotivated, the baby room was drab and uninviting for the children. It was a question of working together as a team to create an enticing centre for the children.
It's been hard, but we've got there in the end and it has benefited the children,' says Fran.
'Toys were locked away in cupboards and the children's activities were dictated by adults. I wanted to create a child-centred environment where the children could make their own choices and access toys and resources freely so they could be involved in their own learning. I wanted to incorporate art activities so the children had a chance to be creative and build skills.
'I decided to balance the commercially produced toys with natural materials to increase children's sensory experiences. We also changed the aesthetics of the room by making it more homely, adding cushions, mirrors, a gentle colour scheme and encouraging the children to bring in photographs from home and familiar objects. The children regularly explore the local environment and visit the local park and library.
'Children are now not just dropped off at the centre. We encourage parents to visit with the children so that the nursery area and faces become familiar before they start. When children are registered we build up the time they spend with us to make the transition easier. Each child also has a keyworker. We've noticed that children now settle much quicker.'
Fran has won a chocolate weekend for two in Brussels.
* Runner-up: Claire Wilson, Yatton Keynell Under Fives Group, Wiltshire
Childcare Newcomer of the Year Award
Sponsored by Skills Active
Winner: Ian Johnson, childcare development worker, Chesterfield Sure Start Following a change in career, Ian volunteered for Chesterfield Sure Start while undertaking an NVQ 2 in childcare. He then became a full-time employee in September. He is known by his colleagues for his constant enthusiasm and caring nature, especially as he often works with vulnerable local families.
Colleague Teresa Cresswell, on nominating Ian for the award, said, 'Ian is never fazed by situations and makes time and puts in considerable effort to develop and build relationships with all our families. He is a very positive role model and his patience with the children stands out.'
She adds, 'His enthusiasm and dedication to his work rubs off on both the service users and the rest of the team as Ian continues to develop and grow within his role.'
Ian says, 'I worked in export sales for 11 years but wanted a job that was more worthwhile. I came as a parent to Sure Start and started volunteering.
I loved it, enjoyed playing with the kids and liked the atmosphere. I knew it was the right work for me.
'I now feel like I'm making a contribution to the children's lives and love that every day is different. I love the responses that children make - they're unique and unpredictable.'
Ian has won a London theatre break.
* Runner-up: Philip Shewring, childminder, Tadley, Hampshire
Childminder of the Year Award
In association with the National Childminding Association
Winner: Ann Robson, Carrville, Durham
Ann was amazed to receive an award for doing a job that she thoroughly enjoys. 'It's a great feeling to know I'm appreciated,' she says. 'I've been a childminder for 21 years and could never consider doing anything else. It's amazing to be able to have such an impact on a child's life and wonderful to see a child develop from a baby to going to school.'
She received a heartfelt testimony from one parent, Sharon Aird, who said, 'I have the utmost respect for Ann and the job she does. She has given her all to my daughter and turned my clingy little girl into an intelligent and alert toddler. I can't thank her enough. She takes my daughter to varied groups and treats her as an individual, not as someone else's child. There is no shortage of love and cuddles in her home.
'My daughter's speech is amazing for her age because of Ann and her willingness to sit with her and teach her things. My daughter will surprise me with new words and songs she's learnt.
'Ann's registered deaf but it is not a problem for her in her job. To be honest, I think it has given my daughter a better understanding of the real world, and how different people are.
'Ann's a true shining star and never lets us down.'
Ann has won a London theatre break.
* Runner-up: Tina Frennet, Woodley, Berkshire
Prima Childcare Team of the Year Award
Winner: Hope House Children's Hospice, Oswestry, Shropshire
The care team at the children's hospice received the accolade for their dedication and professionalism when working with terminally ill children and their families. Nursery nurses, carers, nurses, social workers and a physiotherapist all work together to provide the best care possible.
Support is also given to siblings and time is set aside to be focused on them rather than the child who is ill. The care team continue to work with bereaved families and each June they hold a remembrance day at the hospice.
Families are invited back to join together in celebrating the lives of their children.
Senior social worker Jan Mills says, 'All team members contribute their individual skills and expertise to the care we offer. You will know who the nurses are, not because they wear a uniform, but rather because they will check out and administer medication. But when you see children playing, or painting, or singing, or playing instruments, you may not know who the staff are. It could be a nurse, the director of care, a social worker, or the play leader. We are here to do everything we can for the children who will not live to adulthood.'
Head of care Gilda Ashe adds, 'We are so happy and proud to have won. It was amazing to have been shortlisted and to actually win is a great feeling. The award wouldn't have been possible without the support of the children.'
The team won a meal at the Ritz, overnight accommodation and tickets for the London Eye.
* Runner-up: Truro Nursery School, Cornwall
Other winners
Childcare Lifetime Achievement Award 2005
Margy Whalley, director of the Pen Green Centre, Corby, Northamptonshire
Employer of the Year for Staff Childcare Support
Sponsored by Sodexho Pass
HSBC Bank Plc
SkillsActive Playworker of the Year Award
Sponsored by SkillsActive
Sam Perrie, St Anne's Primary School, Liverpool
* See this week's Out of School supplement for details of the Playworker of the Year Award
