Nursery World Awards 14: Individuals - Trainer of the Year

Claire Burgess is the early years consultancy manager for Norland College and programme manager for CPD for Norland-trained professionals. She designs and delivers a range of tailored courses for clients of Norland as well as for Norland graduates.

Claire represents Norland as honorary consultant for the charity TAMBA (Twins and Multiple Births Association), co-ordinating the 'Helping Hands' appeal providing life-changing, voluntary support for families from qualified Norland nannies. She also wrote and delivers training for the Etihad Flying Nanny programme.

CPD courses written and run by Claire for Norland graduates include Newborn Refresher, Toddlers' Communication, Development and Documentation, and Safeguarding and Safer Working Practices. She also guest lectures at Norland College.

Claire graduated from Norland herself in 2001, and has worked as a nanny, nursery manager and education lecturer. Her wealth of experience allows her to relate directly to practitioners she is teaching and draw on real-life experiences from a range of settings to really bring her training to life.

Her approach is always child-centred, her professionalism never falters and the feedback she receives from students, graduates, Norland agency families and external clients is always outstanding.

One parent who has benefited from the TAMBA Helping Hands programme following his triplets' birth and their mother's death is still supported by Claire.

'Her drive, energy and sheer breadth of child-related activities inspire me to push myself and, in a sense, the kids, to celebrate and live life to the max,' he says.

A Norland graduate who attended the Newborn Refresher course says, 'Claire was fabulous. The whole day was faultless ... the content and subject coverage was perfect ... I am still buzzing from the whole thing.'

Claire's style is approachable and fun, with delegates and students coming away feeling that they have learned not just how to work effectively with children and families, but also about themselves and how they can use what Claire has taught them to develop and reflect on their own practice. Claire undertakes a lot of CPD herself to ensure her knowledge and practice are up to date.

One student recently summed up her feelings - 'Claire is my idol'.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Fiona Cann and Sara Sprague, Tots on Tour

Fiona Cann and Sara Sprague are directors of Tots on Tour, which aims to 'help all children to become confident communicators'. They are a highly regarded speech and language therapist/teacher duo, and work in partnership with local authority workforce development teams, including on North Lincolnshire's communications strategy, Growing Talk Together and Every Child a Talker. Fiona and Sara are described as 'highly effective practitioners, steeped in strong early years and communication practice and pedagogy'. Their 'inspirational' training has enthused practitioners, and enhanced their confidence in supporting children's learning and engaging with parents.

Criterion

Open to anyone responsible for early years and childcare training in colleges, training companies or in-house nursery groups.

Sponsored by CACHE

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