According to colleagues and families, Leanne 'lives, breathes and sleeps childcare, and only the best will do'. This dedication was the driving force behind her determination to become an EYP.
Leanne is a highly focused and reflective practitioner who exemplifies the benefits of undertaking the challenging Early Years Professional programme. Having achieved the status this year, she has demonstrated an ability to lead practice and the nursery as a whole.
She particularly brings her EYP expertise to bear in her commitment to families of children with special educational needs. She has worked closely with one family whose child was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition, offering the parents emotional support while they came to terms with the diagnosis and agreed the best way to support him.
Leanne recently identified the need for all staff to be trained in the use of Makaton to support children with SEN and provide a truly inclusive environment.
She has also focused on transitions from home to nursery and identified separation anxiety as a very misunderstood issue. By consulting with other staff and undertaking research, Leanne introduced private one-to-one time between the key person and child and parents, and thereby transformed the transition process. As a result, confidence has increased for both staff and parents.
Having supported the nursery through the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage, Leanne and her team were delighted when the nursery was awarded an outstanding grade earlier this year. She has recently developed the outdoor space, creating free-flow curtains so that the children have unlimited access to the garden.
In the eyes of the judges Leanne fulfils everything that an EYP should be.
FINALIST
Emma Morris, teacher/room leader at Kids Planet Day Nurseries, Lymm, Cheshire
Criterion: Nominees must have gained Early Years Professional Status.
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