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

In the opinion of the judges, 'Giles is a truly inspirational practitioner.' He has made a strong impression on the children in his care, who seek him out and can be heard calling his name excitedly. He has a natural empathy with young children and has often been described as being on their wavelength.

Some of the children who have benefited the most from Giles's care have been those on the special educational needs register. He works very closely with two boys on the autistic spectrum and a child with Down syndrome, and has made a huge difference to their progress and well-being, a especially great achievement since he himself is on the autistic spectrum.

Giles's role is to lead music throughout the setting and he has personally initiated song bags, a nursery rhyme of the month and musical stories in the park. He plays a variety of instruments himself, many of which he brings to the nursery. His own interest in music and rhythm is shared with the children and staff, and he leads exciting music sessions both in the indoor and outdoor environment.

One of his real strengths is to play with language and sounds and make up silly songs - singing at the top of his voice, much to the delight of the children, who join in with lots of enthusiam. He is skilled at tuning into children individually to create fantastic play opportunities. These can range from mixing sand and water outside to becoming a customer at a hair salon.

During the three years Giles has worked at the setting, he has also completed his BA Early Childhood Studies at Canterbury Christ University and is currently undertaking his EYPS.

Children and parents alike recognise Giles' unending patience, enthusiasm and commitment. His approach demonstrates a lack of adult inhibitions and he loves nothing more than to become a child himself.

Highly commended

Emma Sime, deputy manager, The Nursery at Lime Pictures, Liverpool

A 'can do' attitude and infectious enthusiasm have led to Emma inspiring and supporting her colleagues. She regularly researches elements of good practice, such as forest school, baby sign language, music therapy and attachment theory, and looks at different ways to adopt these. She goes beyond the responsibilities of her role to make each child's day happy and stimulating.

Angie Ainge, room leader, Barfield School Nursery, Farnham, Surrey

Angie is Barfield School's longest serving nursery practitioner, having tallied up an impressive 22 years. She has personally cared for around 250 children, and the staff she works alongside believe she has touched each and every one of these children's hearts, giving them very special memories. She shows a deep understanding of the needs of individual children, seeking out and supporting their particular interests - from shell collections to a love of dance.

Finalists

Kate Hatter, Co-operative Childcare, Maidenhead

Sheila Houston, Stone Eden Nursery School, Carlisle

Steven Edward Pitt, Busy Bears Children's Day Nursery, Durham

Nicky Tombs, Busy Bees Childcare, Evesham

Lucy Yarnell, Elmscot, Altrincham

Criterion

Open to any qualified practitioner working in an early years setting.

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