Nursery World Awards 2013: Individuals - Childminder of the Year

Dawn Stronach's provision is noted by Ofsted to offer an inclusive, child-friendly, welcoming and safe environment and has been graded outstanding.

The report comments that children 'benefit extremely well from high-quality care and excellent learning opportunities while they are with her. She uses the Early Years Foundation Stage in practice extremely well to ensure that children enjoy, achieve and make very good progress. Partnerships with parents are excellent'.

On top of this, the judges found that Dawn, who has been childminding for seven years, is 'clearly valued by the parents and is committed to giving outstanding care to the children'.

Parents comment that she goes above and beyond her job in every aspect, with one parent describing her as a 'professional, passionate and creative individual'. Examples of this include loaning equipment, such as highchairs, to parents when they are not able to purchase them; providing advice and guidance to people seeking to become childminders; child observations that have led to the identification of a hip problem and dyslexia; and working sensitively with parents following family bereavements.

Children become more independent and confident in Dawn's care. Her dedicated playroom and outdoor area allows them to make independent choices in their play, which is closely documented by her. Parents are impressed by the detail of the observations and notes that she makes on each child, and a record of each child's day is provided for parents through diaries, emails and even video clips.

Importantly, Dawn demonstrates that she cares deeply for the children. She is focused on responding actively to their individual interests, including developing a sensory garden, and carefully considers how she can provide inclusive activities, such as offering left-handed equipment. Children thrive in her care.

One parent says, 'Dawn is not just outstanding as graded by Ofsted; she is so much more to all of us parents and children who are fortunate enough to have an association with her. She has fulfilled my promise to my children that they are loved, nurtured and cared for.'

Highly commended

Yolande Pinder, Yolande's Little Learners Childminding, Doncaster

Yolande is committed to sharing as much as possible with parents so that they do not feel 'out of the loop', which is much appreciated by them. Along with daily verbal feedback, she has notice boards, newsletters, takes photos and also frequently texts and emails with information and insights.

Parents and children alike find her to be thoughtful and funny. She provides the children in her care with a large range of activities and trips, and supports the whole family as much as possible. She is warm, open and described by one parent as a 'force of nature'.

Criterion

Nominees must be registered childminders.

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