Awards 2012: Individuals - Early Years Professional of the year

Victoria essentially has two roles - or certainly two titles - at Wellies and fulfils them both to the highest standard.

In her role as Early Years Professional, she oversees the whole nursery's planning, supports individual staff with their personal development, generates and promotes staff morale and is an effective part of the senior management team. Meanwhile, as baby department supervisor she oversees two rooms and four full-time staff who care for up to 24 under-two-year-olds.

Her colleagues say that Victoria is more than an EYP; she is an inspiring team player who is thirsty for more knowledge and opportunities to implement that knowledge. Since becoming an EYP two years ago, Victoria has had a positive impact on the entire staff team at Wellies, all the children and their families.

She has introduced a new and consistent approach towards planning, observation and record keeping, improved the quality of learning journals, encouraged the use of real life experiences for the children and implemented consistency with outdoor play, as well as developing a warm and homely environment in the baby department.

Her enthusiasm and desire to improve practice within the setting and to increase opportunities for the children in her care rubs off on all who work with her. Victoria's passion for her work is infectious.

She is also recognised by other EYPs for her active role in the locality. Victoria leads Peers Early Education Partnership (PEEP) sessions at a local children's centre, supporting a second member of staff working towards PEEP practice at Masters Level. She is an active member of the transition panel run by the local authority, developing consistent transitions between early years settings and schools across the area, and contributes to the Baby Network group, a local initiative that meets to share best practice for the under-twos.

Highly commended

Jo Robinson, Lincolnshire Montessori

As head of early years, Jo ensures that welfare, learning and development for children in the setting are constantly improving. This can be seen in the quality of the prepared environment and respectful interactions between practitioners and children.

Lisa Jane Wildey, University of Sheffield Students' Union Nursery

Lisa Jane is team leader at The Lodge, a 32-place room for children aged two to five years within a 64-place nursery. As an agent of change supporting children, families and practitioners throughout the nursery she has to adapt and re-prioritise continually.

Finalists

Kristina Johnson, senior nursery manager, Mon Ami Children's Day Nursery, Alford, Lincolnshire

Emma Morris, pre-school teacher/EYP/unit leader, Kids Planet, Warrington

Zoe Walters, lead practitioner, Grace's Day Nursery, Sidcup, Kent

Criterion

Nominees must have gained Early Years Professional Status.