Place your vote!
Lindsay Barrett
Wednesday, January 29, 2003
Tell the world about the excellent people working in childcare with your nominations for this year's glittering array of awards Registered childminder Lindsay Barrett has built up such a good rapport with children and parents that they're all treated as a part of her extended family. Her London household is always happy and the children in her care love the fantastic range of activities she provides.
Registered childminder Lindsay Barrett has built up such a good rapport with children and parents that they're all treated as a part of her extended family. Her London household is always happy and the children in her care love the fantastic range of activities she provides.
Lindsay's shining dedication to her profession helped her win the Childminder of the Year award in last year's Excellence in Childcare awards run by the Kids' Clubs Network with Nursery World and Prima magazine. The new Sure Start unit is this year's major supporter along with the National Childminding Association and the National Day Nurseries Association.
The nominations for the Excellence in Childcare Awards 2003 are now open and Nursery World readers can enter childcarers in four categories. There are also categories to spotlight innovation in childcare business - the new Childcare Entrepreneur of the Year award - and Best Out-of-School Club.
Fantastic cash or holiday prizes up to the value of 3,000 will be given to the finalists for each award. The winners will enjoy a range of prizes including a trip of a lifetime to Mexico.
The two finalists for each award will also be invited to attend the awards gala dinner at an exciting London venue - last year it was held at the Tate Modern gallery and was attended by Cherie Booth QC, vice-president of the Kids' Clubs Network, and a number of celebrities. All finalists will receive one night's free accommodation and travel expenses.
The awards put the spotlight on the talent and dedication of childcarers and the incredible creativity of activity programmes, says Kids' Clubs Network chief executive Anne Longfield. 'Childcare is an important profession that deserves huge recognition,' she says. 'This is your opportunity to shout from the rooftops and tell the world what an important, rewarding and interesting career childcare is. So send us your nominations for the very best childcarers.'
Nursery World editor Liz Roberts says, 'We're really pleased to be involved with these awards again, and hope that many of our readers will enter.'
Here are the award categories:
Prima Childcarer of the Year Do you know a childcarer who is dedicated, inspirational, supportive, fun and lots more? Nominations for this category can be someone who works as a nursery nurse, a childminder or any other registered childcare worker.
Unfortunately, informal carers such as grandparents or friends are not eligible.
Prima Baby Nursery Worker of the Year
In partnership with the National Day Nurseries Association
The winner will be caring and enthusiastic, have lots of stamina and delight in sharing children's discovery of their world. He or she will be a truly exceptional individual who has made a real difference to the lives of children and their families.
Childminder of the Year
In partnership with the National Childminding Association
The champion childminders - all working in their own homes - should provide quality care, learning opportunities and that extra something special.
Childcare Entrepreneurof the Year
In partnership with Genderquake
In this new category, the entrepreneurs of the childcare world are celebrated. Any and all businesses that are bringing innovation and excellence to the childcare field may be nominated.
Playworker of the Year
Sponsored by Morton Michel and Sterling Insurance
Is there a playworker who stands out from the crowd? Exceptional
playworkers should have a great understanding of children's needs while being resourceful, creative, supportive and inspiring.
Best Out of School Club
Sponsored by the New Opportunities Fund
Nominate the kids' club that has got it all - this could include anything from excellent playworkers and innovative programmes to pioneering equal opportunities policies.
To nominate your favourite childcarer or setting, please fill out the form on the right and send it to the specified address by 31 March 2003.
If you would like further information about the awards and prizes you can contact Kids' Clubs Network on 020 7512 2100 or look on the website www.kidsclubs.org.uk.
