Rutland might be the smallest county in England, but in Jean Smith it boasts an early years practitioner with a big commitment to making a difference to the lives of young children and their families.
'I think it is fair to say that Jean has touched the lives of hundreds if not thousands of children in Rutland,' says Sarah Bysouth, head of the service for Lifelong Learning at Rutland County Council.
Since qualifying as an NNEB in 1968, Jean has given a lifetime of dedicated service to early years provision in many and varied roles.
As one of her testimonials says, 'If Jean spots a gap in provision, or a group that needs particular help, she will strive to provide her help, expertise and assistance to facilitate a solution, working around funding or bureaucratic issues.
'Jean has all the personal qualities needed to communicate effectively with young children and their carers. She is compassionate, thoughtful and caring, always very approachable and has a tremendous sense of fun. Crucially, parents respond very warmly to Jean as they see that she is consistently impartial and non-judgmental in her dealings with them, nurturing a sense of trust. She listens to them attentively, regardless of gender, age, nationality or religion. Jean has a wonderful way of making each child feel special, incredibly remembering all their names and when their birthdays fall.'
Another adds, 'Jean has enthused countless children throughout Rutland about books, stories and rhymes through the very stimulating Rhyme Time and Story Time sessions she leads each week in our libraries, town and village halls.
'The clear message from Jean is that "stories and rhymes are fun". Sessions are very lively, interactive and personal, giving children a valuable start on their literacy journey.'
Her commitment is such that when her popular play and learn sessions were hit by funding cuts, Jean announced she would continue unpaid and provide resources out of her own pocket.
Highly commended
Allison Winship, head of childcare, Kids 1st Nurseries, North Tyneside and Northumberland
Allison currently manages more than 300 staff and is ultimately responsible for more than 1,500 families. Since qualifying as an NNEB more than 35 years ago, she has worked her way up and become an inspirational leader and motivator of her staff, with a ' never waning passion and enthusiasm' for the highest quality provision for young children and their families.
Finalist
Julie Anne Singleton, director of childcare services, Elmscot Group day nurseries, Cheshire
Criterion
Open to individuals whose long service and dedication to young children's care and education are truly inspiring.
