The awards, in their tenth year, recognise students who have performed brilliantly on their childcare course and who show the greatest potential to be an outstanding childcare practitioner.
Last year's winner was Abbey Wood from Ryton Comprehensive School, Tyne and Wear. She had been studying for the CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education.
Winning the award helped Abbey continue to pursue her career goal to be a teacher, and confirmed her ability to be a valuable practitioner.
She said, 'It felt great to have won. I am so passionate about what I do and never underestimate the influence I can have on a child's learning.'
Before winning the award, Abbey had gained places at three universities and worked as a fitness and dance instructor.
The award was also a great accolade for Ryton Comprehensive School and convinced members of staff that the CACHE Diploma Level 3 would be a worthwhile course that can lead to university entry.
The winner of the Student of the Year Award will receive a cheque for £350 and a year's free subscription to Nursery World. The winning college also receives £350 of Heinemann vouchers and runners-up a cheque each for £100 and their college £100 of Heinemann vouchers.
Finalists and their tutors will be invited in the summer to Heinemann's Oxford offices, where they will meet the judging panel and will be given an example of a typical childcare scenario and asked to tell the panel how they would deal with the situation.
- The deadline for entries is Wednesday 31 March.
For a nomination form visit www.pearsonfe.co.uk/ChildcareAward2010 or e-mail gemma.anderson@pearson.com.
