This year's children's art competition run by Nursery World and the Daycare Trust to mark National Childcare Month attracted a record number of entries. Nursery World's offices were deluged with more than 2,000 children's depictions of their childcarers, each bearing a caption to say why they liked them so much. Nursery nurses, teachers, playworkers, childminders, nannies and more were celebrated by the children they care for.
The children's words were remarkably consistent in terms of the themes that emerged - food, fun, friendship and comfort. 'She feeds me good food' was typical, along with 'She makes the toast'. 'Lynnette makes the best fruit salad in the world,' claimed one 10-year-old, while 'she gives us everything we want and biscuits' was the comment from another.
Laughter and kindness were frequently mentioned - 'her songs make me laugh', 'she cuddles me when I bump', and 'I painted Katie because she is my friend'. One playworker has 'a kind heart and shares it with everyone'.
The centrality of play for children's well-being was very apparent. 'I like my childcarer because she plays with me', was repeated time and again. 'I like Jeni and Emma because we make daisy chains in the garden,' said Emily.
Older children cited music, football and computers as activities they enjoyed with their carers.
The competition brought out the poet in some children - one described her playworker as 'nuclear - she radiates happiness', while another fluffy collage was of 'Maria with her head in the clouds: I like Maria because she thinks she's an angel and she's always daydreaming'.
With so many wonderful paintings and drawings to choose from, the judges had a tremendously difficult job to pick first, second and third in each category -under-5s, 5-10s, and 11-14s. Annie Harris of the Royal Academy, Liz Roberts of Nursery World, and Stephen Burke and Susan Cohen of the Daycare Trust eventually made their decision and chose the winning entries to be displayed in the Royal Academy during National Childcare Month.
Tessa Jowell MP, secretary of state for culture, media and sport, was due to present the prizes at a ceremony at the Royal Academy in London yesterday (Wednesday).
3rd prize under-5s. Kate Hinsley, aged 4 1/2
Hollyfield Pre-School, Sutton Coldfield. Carer: Mrs Tumelty
'Mrs Tumelty is putting up all our lovely pictures. I'm watching her.'
3rd prize 5-10s
Toni Burke, aged 9
St Matthews Out-of-School Care Clubs, Luton
Carer: Mrs Fitzpatrick
'I like Mrs Fitzpatrick because she is very nice, and she calls you names like flower and she is kind and fun to be with.'
3rd prize 11-14s
Jerome James, aged 11 Rainbow Club, Birmingham Carer: Tim Oruye 'I like Tim because he likes the same music as me. Both of us love football.'
1st prize under-5s
Alicia Pitt, aged 4
Fairfield's Nursery, Bury Carer: Donna Jones
Alicia painted Donna 'because she has the same hair as me'.
2nd prize under-5s
Claire Ramshaw, aged 4 Woodentots Nursery, Fareham Carer: Clair Wickens
'She helps me do my painting and drawing. She's doing water play. She tips water on the floor. She does get me wet sometimes!'
1st prize 5-10s
Olivia Watson, aged 10
Gems Out of School Club, Eccles Carer: Kate Stott
'Mrs Stott is one of our club minders. She's a very, very nice lady. She's kind, loyal, smart, lovely and generous. Mrs Stott is one of the nicest people I know.'
2nd prize 5-10s
Alexander Adams, aged 6
Top Step, Lincoln
Carer: Sharon Maddock 'This is Sharon. I like her because she is kind.'
1st prize 11-14s
Darrelle Dyson, aged 11
Chequers Out-of-School Club, Huddersfield
Carer: Leanne Bradshaw
'I like Leanne because she is funny and she listens to what I say. She laughs at my jokes and is never mad.'
2nd prize 11-14s Emma Winterschladen, aged 11
King Edward Out-of-School Club, North Shields; Carer: Lorna Mates 'I like Lorna because she's funny and kind, and if someone's hurt or feeling down, she tries to look on the bright side.'
Children's prizes
1st Mattel/Fisher Price game + 50 gift voucher
2nd Mattel/Fisher Price game + 25 gift voucher
3rd Mattel/Fisher Price game + 10 gift voucher
Carers' prizes
1st 75 gift voucher
2nd 50 gift voucher
3rd 25 gift voucher
All vouchers donated by Nursery World
