Auden Place would not be around today if it were not for the managerial skill and dedication of Mikki Parkes. When she took over the nursery in 2005, it was forecasting huge financial losses and facing closure. Within four months she had managed to reduce the actual loss by 50 per cent and was able to keep it open. From there the nursery has flourished.
As a community nursery, Auden Place is a not-for-profit organisation and does not enjoy the certainty of council funding. Mikki's colleagues say it is 'eye opening' to see her in action to ensure the nursery remains viable. No council goes un-cajoled, no potential grant opportunity goes un-responded to and no money-saving is ignored.
By securing the nursery's financial future Mikki has been able to focus on her most important objective - the welfare and development of the children.
Her colleagues say that her style, ethos and energy define the culture of Auden Place and they respect the way that she is happy to step into any role, from cook to accountant, at short notice.
According to the awards judges, Mikki really stood out, impressing them with the compassion and commitment she shows towards the children.
The support she enjoys from staff is a strong testimony to her leadership skills. She is passionate about their development, both personally and formally through training. One staff member says, 'Mikki demonstrates how passionate and determined she is to develop children within our setting. This filters down to the whole team, encouraging us all to be the best, allowing us to provide care and education so that every child reaches their full potential.'
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Marie Walker, Little Learners Nursery School, Skegness, Lincolnshire
Marie has impressed everyone with an ability to consistently drive the nursery forward, developing a rich and stimulating environment where children can be creative and free-thinking. Staff greatly respect her commitment to their professional development, and are made to feel they are an integral part of the nursery. Marie is held in high esteem by the local Birth to Five Service for her work in developing projects for Lincolnshire.
FINALIST
Karen Lenoir, Busy Bees Nursery in Brooke Street, Chorley, Lancashire
Criterion: Open to any nursery manager in a full daycare or sessional setting.
Sponsored by Caleeda.
