Case Studies
Nominee stories – case studies
Kelly Dowling, from Fernwood Day Nursery and Out of School Club in Newark, was awarded a principal nomination in the leadership category. She said: “It was great to be able to attend such a lovely event to celebrate the achievements of early years professionals across the county. It was particularly lovely that all staff were offered the opportunity to attend. We were so surprised to receive so many nominations in the different categories and to have recognition for our team's ongoing hard work and commitment has had a huge impact on staff morale since.
I sincerely hope that such an event can be held annually to enable individuals and teams to showcase their skills and practice. Well done to everyone that received a nomination, listening to all the comments made by parents, colleagues and other professionals was heart-warming and reminded us of why we love our jobs!”
See Kelly’s summary of the celebration event here:
Another award-winner, Pauline Nyblen, a childminder from Calverton, was awarded the principal nomination for Exceptional Practitioner, said: “It was an amazing feeling to think that families, friends and other childminders nominated me for the award, it was a complete surprise.
“After 30 years of childminding, dealing with so many changes in the Early Years, knowing how hard we work, it was an evening where we all came together as professionals, and we were all recognised for what we have achieved.
“Childminders have to be qualified to be able to work in the early years, we are not babysitters like a lot of people think. It’s important to promote childminders and the early years workforce as the professionals that we are and the incredible work we do.
“Thank you, Nottinghamshire County Council, for a wonderful evening and for making it special for me.”
Alison Hill, Area Manager for Papermoon Day Nurseries attended the celebration event:
“I’ve worked in early years for over 38 years and during this time I have witnessed the profile of early years provision grow and grow. It unfortunately still has a long way to go, but its due to events such as this and the support from the Local Authority in Nottinghamshire that we can continue to demonstrate just how important the early years sector is.
Working with young children is at times mis-understood and not valued. But through extensive research the status of early years and the positive impact it has on young children’s growth and development, particularly to support them starting school, has been reported as invaluable. People who work in the sector are so committed and passionate about what they do and in making a difference to the lives of children in their care. Thanks to the Local Authority Early Childhood Services hosting tonight’s event, we have been able to recognise just a few of those people, but there is a whole industry out there championing to demonstrate that early years has a place alongside schools in caring and educating our children”
Watch Alison’s summary of the event here:
Lizzie Townsend from Brooklyn Day Nursery and Jemma Cotton from Mansfield Primary Academy also gave their thoughts on the celebration event. Watch their videos here:
