Nursery World Awards 14: Individuals - Newcomer of the Year

Jenny joined Kids Planet when it first opened in 2009 as the nursery cook and in the four years she worked there, delivered a consistently healthy and nutritious menu, which eventually won her the 'Healthier Together' award from the local authority. During this time, staff remarked on her close bond with the children, who called her 'Our Jenny Cook' and enjoyed participating in a variety of cooking activities with her.

But in June 2012, the unexpected death of Jenny's husband left her alone with her two sons and after a period of re-evaluation, she decided on a career change and left the nursery in July 2013 to gain experience as a teaching assistant.

She returned to Kids Planet as a trainee nursery practitioner in January. She has now been inducted into every age group at the setting and staff report that she has built up her confidence with each one and receives 'nothing but compliments' from her peers. Jenny is now involved in all aspects of nursery life, including staff tasks, training, meetings and open days.

Jenny works effectively not only in the setting but also in the local community, helping to provide a creche facility for parents accessing back to work courses or who have English as an additional language and are taking maths or English lessons. Jenny welcomes children into the setting by engaging them in activities, and provides reassurance for parents, which enables them to concentrate fully on gaining new qualifications.

Jenny's 'calm, warm and patient' approach with children on the two-year-old funded scheme, many of whom have additional speech, language or behavioural needs, allows children to join in at their own pace and gives parents a support network in which to develop behaviour strategies such as toilet training or speech and language techniques, or to take time for themselves or other siblings.

According to Jenny's colleague and judges, she has a natural ability as a nursery practitioner, and a 'skilful, sensitive and knowledgeable approach' having applied her own life experiences to her practice.

Kids Planet's deputy manager Emma Burns added, 'It would be easy to assume that Jenny has always worked in childcare.'

Finalists

Martina Nawrot, Hungry Caterpillar

Emma Packer, Fennies

Supported by Nursery World Jobs

[asset_library_tag 579,Download the PDF]