Awards 2012: Individuals - Newcomer of the year

In the short time Jemma has been working in childcare she has made a big difference to the lives of the children attending the nursery.

Employed as an early years practitioner in the toddlers room while studying at college for her Level 3 qualification, Jemma has quickly won high praise from all the staff she works with for her dedication, hard work and willingness to help out.

Nursery manager Jill Dutton says, 'Jemma has worked closely with a child who has been diagnosed with global development delay. This has meant working with other professionals to help him progress and spending a lot of time with him to help him start walking.

'During this time, Jemma has used the aid of walkers to encourage him to begin taking steps and has fed back to his parent when strategies have been successful. She has worked as part of a team to develop this area and the child is now able to move around independently, which has made a difference to his home life as well.'

The setting has been taking part in the pilots for funding nursery places for disadvantaged two-year-olds and Jemma has worked hard to ensure the children and families really benefit from the experience.

'During the running of this programme, Jemma has had lots of practical experience in dealing with children from many different backgrounds as well as parents or carers,' says Jill. 'As the children may not have been to a setting before they can sometimes be unsettled, and Jemma takes great care in getting to know them, finding out their likes and planning around these to help them settle in. She also works with the parents and carers who may also have additional needs and ensures they feel welcomed into the setting.'

Finalists

Hannah Beck, Kids Allowed, Macclesfield

Amanda Cook, Acorns Pre-school, Cleator Moor, Cumbria

Criterion

Open to early years practitioners with less than one year's experience at closing date.