Nursery World Awards 2020 - Nanny of the Year

Cristina is nanny to twin two-year-old boys. She has looked after them since they were three months old, when she was hired to provide care at the weekends.

However, on the weekend she joined, the boys’ grandmother had a stroke and their mother was busy dealing with family matters. Impressed by how Cristina took the situation in her stride, swooping in and taking care of the children ‘like Mary Poppins’ to allow the mother to sort things out, the family asked her to become the boys’ full-time weekday nanny instead.

A fabulous nanny with an endless variety of games, activities and ideas up her sleeve, Cristina pours her heart and soul into her job and never forgets that, although they are twins, the two boys she cares for are individuals. She caters for both their needs and tailors activities for each one to ensure they are both cared for and able to develop at their own pace and in their own way.

She chooses a different theme for each week, such as space or the sea, and all games and activities are built around them, allowing for creativity and imagination, as well as language and physical development opportunities.

As both boys were fussy eaters, Cristina prepared weekly menus with fresh organic produce to introduce them to a whole variety of cuisines. As a result, they have become eager and enthusiastic eaters.

She has also looked after a child with ADHD and worked at a home-based nursery, where she helped the setting maintain its Ofsted Outstanding grade and successfully completed her Level 2 Certificate in Children and Young People’s Workforce, Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding Level 4. This latter qualification also allowed her to become safeguarding lead for the setting.

Softly-spoken, kind, eternally capable and extremely organised, Cristina is a consummate professional. She relishes the one-to-one connection she builds as part of her work, and dreams of one day becoming a trainer for other nannies to help them get the best from the children they care for too.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Keziah Warne

After graduating from Norland College in 2014, Keziah began working for a family with a three- and one-year-old. In 2019, the mother of the two children was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.

As a result, Keziah’s job changed completely. However, she took it completely in her stride, guiding both the children and parents through their darkest days, advocating continuously for the children’s welfare and best interests, and helping to hold the whole family together.

When the country went into a national lockdown, she moved into the family home as the mother was at high risk, putting aside a planned overseas move.

Unfortunately, in August, her employer passed away, leaving behind her two children and husband.

Keziah handled the terrible situation in the most outstanding way, supporting the children through the grieving process, helping with funeral arrangements, liaising with schools and much more, all while grieving herself for a woman who had become her friend as well as her employer.

FINALISTS

Bernadette Rodbourn

Holly Chaberka

Jackie Robertson

Stefanie Coleman

CRITERION

Open to any qualified or experienced nanny (minimum five years’ experience if not qualified)

SPONSORED BY

• Read all about our Nursery World Awards 2020 winners in our digital magazine at https://reader.exacteditions.com/issues/91928/spread/1