Students compete for 2008 awards
Four finalists have now been chosen for the eighth Heinemann and Nursery World Childcare Student of the Year Awards. All are studying for the level 3 CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education.
Bethany Chiles attends University College Birmingham. So far she has attained high grades and excellent practical placement reports. Bethany has been chosen to experience the Leonardo Project, a three-week placement in an early years setting in France.
Verity Jones is from Cheadle & Marple Sixth Form College in Cheshire. A work placement at a primary school during her secondary education encouraged Verity to pursue a career in childcare.
Kate Taylor goes to Preston College. Tutors have recommended that Kate be chosen for the 'gifted and talented' club, an in-house initiative which provides extra-curricular activities for more able students.
Jessica Whiteley is from Plume College in Maldon, Essex. Jessica has taken on extended college activities such as voluntary work with a local primary school helping children with special needs, and Pyramid Training through Dr Barnado's.
The judging and presentation of the award will take place in Oxford at Heinemann's head office on 1 July. The prizes will be presented by Brian Tytherleigh, director for early years at the Children's Workforce Development Council.
Beth Howard, senior publisher for childcare at Heinemann, said, 'Heinemann and Nursery World are delighted to acknowledge the achievements of students in the childcare sector by running this award. This year the standard of entries was exemplary and the elimination process was tough.'
Judges will be looking for students who show the potential to be great childcare professionals and demonstrate outstanding performance on their course. Each finalist will be given a case study of a real-life situation and asked to report back on how they would tackle the issue posed to them.
The winner will receive a certificate along with a year's free subscription to Nursery World and a cheque for £300. The student's college will also receive a £300 voucher to spend on Heinemann resources. Runners-up receive a cheque for £100, together with £75 worth of Heinemann vouchers for their school or college.
