Nursery World Awards 14: Individuals - Nursery Practitioner of the Year

A positive attitude and dedication to her role have helped Natalie to overcome illness and balance several roles to win the Nursery Practitioner of the Year Award.

Now in remission from lymphoma cancer, Natalie continued to work in the lead up to and during her treatment. She asked to be kept informed of developments at the nursery throughout this time, and during her illness and subsequent remission, staff commented on the outstanding level at which she was determined to work.

In the baby room, Natalie is known affectionately as 'Nat Nat' by the 18 children she cares for, and maintains a close relationship with families.

In her role as SENCO, Natalie supports up to 14 children and their families, and liaises positively with the area SENCO from the local authority, while simultaneously continuing her own study of SEN by researching new theories and resources for care and working regularly with external agencies.

Natalie has shown conscientiousness beyond the call of duty in maintaining these different roles throughout her time at Kiddi Caru. After it was suggested by the area SENCO that Natalie could be taken out of the ratio count for half the week to concentrate on her work with children with SEN, Natalie chose instead to add time to the beginning and end of her working day so as not to let down the babies in her room.

As team leader, Natalie also works closely with the management team on staff appraisals, training, health and safety, and key carer procedures, and is in charge of maintaining a culture of self-evaluation and reflective practice throughout the nursery.

Natalie often volunteers to take on additional roles and duties. She works closely with the local community, provides support to new parents and young mothers, and runs new staff induction sessions. She also provided support and positivity to the staff team during the difficult period when renovations were being carried out on the nursery building.

A role model to other members of staff and constantly looking for extra contributions to make, Natalie is approachable and knowledgeable, and usually the first in to work and the last to leave, always with an infectious smile on her face, say her colleagues.

Highly commended

Jill Purves, outdoor development officer, Chapter One Childcare

Jill's commitment, motivation to progress and love of the job saw her go from being a single parent at Chapter One Childcare to joining as a support worker. She gained her SVQ level 3 qualification while working full-time, and completed Forest School Training before becoming a lead practitioner. She now engages staff in the benefits of outdoor play and learning through regular training days.

As a result of her work, the nursery has embraced the use of small tools for woodwork, fire pits, life cycle areas for butterflies, bug hotels, mudslides, and dens. Jill has also overseen the introduction of themed caravans, tents and boats, the extension of sand pits to provide mini beaches, and the use of eco-gardening to grow foods for nursery mealtimes.

Finalists

Chloe Amos, Stone Eden

Sam Laxton, Co-operative Childcare

Sarah Lofting, Manor House Nursery School

Hannah Reeves, Schools Out (Elmscot Group)

Heather Watson, Bright Horizons

Criterion

Open to any qualified practitioner working in an early years setting in the maintained, private or voluntary sectors.

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