Spotlight on ... Ciara Loughran, Childminder
Friday, November 9, 2012
Name: Ciara Loughran
Position: Childminder from Ballymena in Northern Ireland
What does it mean to be named the Cow &Gate Northern Ireland Childminder of the Year, in association with NICMA?
I was absolutely delighted to win this award. I didn't expect to win or even be nominated. Childminding is a job I love, and to be named childminder of the year is overwhelming.
Tell me about the awards ceremony.
The final in Belfast was an emotional but brilliant day out, and having the children with me and the mum who nominated me made it all the more special. On the way home the children were discussing how to spend my £500 prize money. A proportion of it I will use to fund a Christmas day out for all the children I mind.
How long have you worked as a childminder and why did you decide to become one?
I've worked as a childminder for two and a half years. I mind six children, one of whom is profoundly deaf. I decided to become a childminder as the job offers flexibility and I've wanted to work with children since having my own.
