This award is given to a student or trainee practitioner who performs brilliantly on their childcare course and who shows the potential to be an exemplary childcare professional. The award is run jointly by Pearson and Nursery World with a rigorous process that uses tutor testimonials and a piece of written work submitted by the student themselves as part of their course.
This year, BTEC National Diploma in Children's Care, Learning and Development student Sarah Travis impressed the judges with an expertly-handled case study and glowing testimonials from her tutor at West Lancashire College, Joan Deveney. Her case study presentation on the day highlighted her understanding of the importance of working in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the child and displayed her strong disposition to work holistically in any future role. Sarah has obviously read widely around her subject and shows a commitment to child welfare, based on a sound understanding of child development and behaviour.
Joan Deveney says, 'Sarah achieves distinction in all her written work, which is carried out to a very high standard. She has an excellent understanding of underpinning knowledge and her work placements have given her the opportunity to apply this. She has performed at such a high level that both of her placements have offered her a job.'
A particular strength is Sarah's effective communication skills, which promise to stand her in good stead as her early years career develops. At college, her interactions with staff and peers are 'warm, friendly and respectful'.
They say that Sarah's professionalism and commitment 'single her out and she works hard at everything she undertakes'.
Her energy and enthusiasm are also the subject of praise. Her tutor says, 'I have seen her dressed as a peasant woman from the 1600s. She role-played the character for Year 1 children and answered detailed and complex questions. She had researched the role and found all her own costumes and props - the children loved it.'
Runners up
Hannah Burgon, NVQ2 Children and Young People's Workforce,Toad Hall Nursery. Tutor: Marie Boyes Korkis
Jennifer Houghton, CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education, Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form College. Tutor: Janice West
Anthony Toye, CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education, Ystrad Mynach College. Tutor: Ann Parker
Criterion
Open to Level 2 or Level 3 childcare students aged 16 or over. The students need to be studying either part-time or full-time for a childcare qualification and must be a resident in the UK.
The winner receives a cheque for £350 and a year's free subscription to Nursery World. The winning college receives £350 of Pearson resources, and runners up each receive a cheque for £100 and £100 of Pearson resources for their college.
