Cheryl Brown, 25, was presented with the Chiltern College Professional Nanny of the Year award last week.
Cheryl works as a nanny for two boys aged three and five and was nominated for the award by her current employer.
‘I work for a lovely family with two small children. I don't think it is something I would have put myself forward for by myself, but they urged me to do it,’ Cheryl told Nursery World.
Cheryl was presented with her award at one-day conference for professional nannies held at the college, which specialises in childcare training.
On winning first prize, she added, ‘I am overwhelmed! I felt really pleased to make the final five, so finding out I had won was amazing! I am always professional and pride myself on offering the best care, education and support to my family.
'I am very excited at the prospect of promoting the professional nanny. I hope to make people more aware of the job that we do and the hard work, dedication and commitment we have for our families.’
Cheryl started her career in childcare working for nursery group Bright Horizons Family Solutions, gaining her Level 3 in Childcare and Education during her four years with the group.
She has been working as a nanny for four-and-a-half years and is currently in Harpenden working for a family with ‘two lovely little boys, who are both bright, energetic, and lots of fun to be around. I love being around the children, helping them to achieve their potential. Doing this job enables me to stay young at heart. I enjoy thinking and planning activities which stimulate their imagination through play while learning and having lots of fun.’
Cheryl’s prize is an ipad donated by Greycoat Placements, a London nanny agency.
The other winners were Frances Aldridge, 44, from Stevenage, in second place and Penny Watts, 42, in third place.
Chris Lawrence, principal of Chiltern College, (pictured right with Cheryl), said, ‘It was a difficult decision between the five finalists, as all were able to demonstrate their commitment and professionalism as nannies. We had some very strong applications and whittling it down to a final five was not an easy task.
I would like to congratulate the winner and all the finalists on their achievement. We believe that Cheryl will be a good ambassador for both the profession and the award during the coming year and we look forward to working with her to raise the profile of this very important role that nannies undertake for families up and down the country.’
All nanny of the year applicants must hold a minimum of a Level 3 qualification, up- to-date enhanced CRB and first aid certificate, have at least 2 years' relevant childcare experience and be working currently as a nanny. They complete an application form and references are taken up. The panel of judges shortlist from pre-set criteria and finalists are invited to an interview day. They are interviewed by the judging panels and are observed with the children at Chiltern College’s nursery.
Judges are looking for is someone who understands the role of the professional nanny, can demonstrate their commitment and passion to providing high quality care for children and a high standard of service for parents, and can be an ambassador for the profession.
This year’s judges were Chris Lawrence, principal of Chiltern College, Stephanie Rough, director of Greycoat Placements, Tracey Kneale, marketing manager, Nannytax, Lisa Holmes of childcare insurers Morton Michel, and independent judge Tricia Pritchard.
