Nursery World Awards 2013: Individuals - Outstanding Contribution

In her meteoric rise through the ranks of Childbase Partnership, Sue Andrews' commitment to providing children with the best start in life and supporting the professionals who care for them was all-encompassing. It extended far beyond the confines of the company's 41 day nurseries.

Her record of outstanding contributions to the children in her care and her colleagues is undeniable. But what makes Sue even more extraordinary is that she achieved it all while battling cancer twice. She continued her part-time PhD studies and fundraising for a children's cancer charity up to her death in February this year.

Sue's PhD research sought to re-think what we know about peer relationships in infants and, as such, could have made a significant contribution to the understanding of the nature of early social interactions with same-age infants from birth to two years in a group setting. Sadly, her PhD supervisor at the University of Warwick, Carol Aubrey, notes that while she had gathered her data and analysed most of it, reporting was still an early draft when she became ill again. She says, 'It remains for someone else to take up what Sue had set out to achieve and address those very challenging research questions she posed.'

Above all, Sue was a great listener and consequently always claimed that success was a team effort and resulted from the hard work of others. She was highly driven and saw the pursuit of excellence as a never-ending journey rather than a destination.

In demanding the very best of herself, Sue earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues, who were also inspired to exceed their own expectations.

Childbase regional director Alison Beard says, 'She was unique and everybody, whether just a few weeks old or 100, responded to her support and encouragement with their very best. When faced with a challenge today, I always think, what would Sue say or do in this situation?'

Finalists

Gill Huntington, pre-school key person, Ramsden Pre-school, Billericay, Essex

Anne Yeomans, Principal Early Years Adviser, kidsunlimited

Criterion

Open to individuals whose long service and dedication to young children's care and education are truly inspiring.