Nursery World Awards 2013: Individuals - Nursery Manager of the Year

Lyndsey Tanner's staff team say that she is 'extremely approachable and is able to give staff confidence to express their highs, lows and concerns'.

Parents describe her as 'the chameleon of the nursery, managing and organising nursery activities as well as seemingly always present on the nursery floor'. Evident in all the comments about Lyndsey is her ability to be available and encouraging to all - staff, parents and children alike.

She was appointed nursery manager of the 60-place setting two years ago and, according to the nursery group's owner, has in this time set a new benchmark for the managers with her visionary and inspirational leadership.

Lyndsey has embraced ICT both for use with the children - such as investing in clip-on cameras so that they can record their activities allowing everyone to share their perspective -and introducing a weekly video news show for parents to view and share their child's week. Concerned parents often receive quick emails containing photos of their child. Lyndsey also uses the nursery website to publicise the varied activities that are organised in the nursery and regularly posts on Twitter.

Parents appreciate how Lyndsey works with them to provide flexible childcare that fits with their busy lives. One parent comments, 'I will never forget the kindness, patience and understanding that under Lyndsey's leadership all the nursery staff showed us during the first few difficult months of me going back to work.'

Staff find her inspiring. She helps them to plan career pathways and access training to facilitate this. Lyndsey herself has recently graduated with a BA Hons in Early Years Studies, proving to be an excellent role model for her staff team.

Ultimately, the children's happiness and interests guide everything that she does. She often immerses herself in activities with the children and they clearly adore her.

Highly commended

Rob Danks, Keiki Daycare, London

Finalists

Alison Frampton, Bright Beginnings Nursery (Bertram Nursery Group), Falkirk

Karen James, Kiddlywinks Day Nursery, Penrith, Cumbria

Karen Liddell, Acorns Nursery (Bright Horizons), London

Sarah Manning, Holyrood (Bertram Nursery Group), Astley

Criterion

Open to any nursery manager in a full daycare or sessional setting.

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