Nursery World Awards 2009: Individuals - Nursery Manager of the Year

At the young age of 24, Emma Graham took the brave decision to buy a nursery that was saddled with bad debts and had been given poor Ofsted reports.

She says, 'Sitting where I am now, two years down the line, having lived and breathed the EYFS, embarked on all kinds of midnight reads of child theorists and childcare resources, I now know that being outstanding and a leader in childcare practice means you never really come to an end or a completion point. It is more about driving forward, innovating and improving along the way.'

Before she took over, the nursery had only 28 children. It now has more than 170. She has also ensured that there is excellent communication between parents and practitioners and says she 'meets and greets every parent at the door and knows every family unit well'.

This is a big change from when parents were admitted through a buzzer system and interaction was minimal.

Emma is working on being the first private nursery in the North East to set up a learning platform, where parents can log on to her website, look at their child's learning journey and even contribute to it. Keen to challenge boundaries, she has hired two male practitioners, who she says have 'hugely enhanced the dynamics of the practitioner team'.

Emma has also established strong links with the early years team at Durham County Council, and has worked hard to ensure that the facilities at the nursery are tailored appropriately for the age groups.

What differentiates Emma as a manager is that she makes sure 'the staff, children and parents have what they need before they realise they need it'.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

- Ann-Louise Epton, Kinder Haven, Bradford

Ann-Louise Epton has worked for Kinder Haven for six years, having started there as a Level 3 practitioner. She was nominated by the nursery director, Danielle Dixon, who calls her a 'genuine, selfless childcare professional'.

- Patricia French, Dimson Day Nursery, Cornwall

As a leader, Patricia French focuses on the nursery's most important resource - its staff. She motivates them and gains their commitment and engagement. Patricia is passionate about promoting 'risky' adventurous play because she is concerned that too many parents live in a 'culture of fear'.

FINALISTS

- Jackie Bell, Sparklers Private Day Nursery

- Gerry Chapman, Kids 1st, Darlington

- Hana Kovler, Mary Sambrook Day Nursery, Tower Hamlets

- Lisa Mayamine, Hendon Day Nursery

CRITERION

Open to any nursery manager in a full daycare or sessional setting.

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