Nanny of the Year named
Seeta Bhardwa
Monday, June 3, 2013
Paula Vekony has been named Professional Nanny of the Year 2013. She was announced as the winner at the end of an all-day conference specifically for professional nannies at The Chiltern College.
Ms Vekony is currently from London, working in a nanny share position caring for two children aged two- and-a-half-years. Her prize as Nanny of the Year was an Apple iPad donated by Greycoat Lumleys Childcare & Education.
Ms Vekony said, ‘I am so happy to be named Nanny of the Year, it is such a great honour. I am very excited about working over the coming year to raise the profile and hopefully help to give nannies the recognition they deserve.’
She added, ‘I have already arranged to go back to my old college and speak to present students about my journey and accomplishments, which I am rather excited about. I am hoping to be able to write articles and we are looking at the possibility of a blog on the nanny of the year website in order to support nannies and promote professional nannies. I am also planning to arrange some workshops for local carers.’
The second prize donated by MNT Training, went to Sian Hoggart from Wiltshire who cares for three children aged two, four and six years. She received a Kindle Fire with £90 worth of Amazon vouchers.
Gemma Dickinson won the third prize of £150 worth of Spa Vouchers donated by Nanny Tax. Her current role is a nanny share position caring for two children under the age of one.
Joint fourth place was awarded to Katy Byng and Becky Meehan. Ms Byng lives in Newbury and is the nanny for three children aged eight months, three years and six years. Ms Meehan is from Crawley and works as a nanny caring for two children aged three years and 20 months. They both received £50 worth of John Lewis vouchers, donated by Eden Nannies & Maternity.
Chris Lawrence, principal of the Chiltern College, said, ‘It was a very difficult decision between the five finalists as they were all able to demonstrate their commitment and professionalism as nannies.
‘The panel chose Paula because, apart from the fact that she is obviously an excellent nanny, she was also able to demonstrate to the judges that she is able to combine the skills of being totally professional in her role, while still maintaining a very loving and caring relationship with the children and a friendly and trusting relationship with the parents.’
‘She was also able to show the panel how keen she is to promote the nanny profession and to bring some recognition to it. She was totally passionate about her job as a nanny and feels that the role is often misunderstood and undervalued and wants to do something about this.’
