Children 1st Scoops a Hat Trick of Prestigious Award Wins
Everyone at Children 1st was delighted to hear the news over the weekend that the company won three awards at the annual Nursery Management Today (NMT) Awards!
The NMT Awards recognises and celebrates the achievements of the very best in the early years sector. Attracting thousands of entries from across the U.K. being named as a finalist within one of the categories is considered an achievement worthy of celebration.
Overall, we were named as finalists in 5 categories, and then won three of those! We believe this is an outstanding tribute to the quality of staff and the provision at Children 1st Day Nurseries.
Nursery Nurse/Childcare Practitioner Award
Staff at Children 1st @ Sheffield were thrilled when Jess Mitchell, a very popular and much-loved level 4 nursery nurse was named as Nursery Practitioner of the Year. This category recognises the achievements of a nursery nurse who provides outstanding childcare, one who shows warmth, fairness, responsibility and who offers support in all relationships involving the children, parents and the organisation. Anyone who knows Jess will agree that she is a very worthy winner!
Nursery Outdoor Learning Environment Award
The team at Children 1st @ Oakwood were ecstatic to see Laura Wildin, senior nursery manager, lift the trophy for best Outdoor Learning Environment. We are all proud of the hard work that has gone into Oakwood and the environment is a resource which constantly brings happiness and engagement to all who use it. The judges agreed with us that the environment inspires and excites the children and promotes physical well-being, creativity and first-hand learning experiences.
Nursery Operations/ Area Manager Award
Our third award was presented to Senior Manager Mandy Forrester. Mandy was named Operations/Area Manager of the year in recognition of her exceptional vision and leadership across the settings for which she is responsible and for enhancing the reputation and success of the company, Mandy was a most worthy winner.
Having 33 years of service, Mandy is a hugely experienced nursery professional. She is respected for her innate ability to build relationships and to empower her teams, building their capacity and personal growth, and driving good practice. With a lifetime of exceptional service to children and their families, underpinned by loyalty to Children 1st Day Nurseries, Mandy brings compassion, humour, and excitement to the nurseries in her care and truly merits this top award.
David Hancock, Children 1st CEO comments:
“What a night! One win is fantastic but three is unbelievable! Congratulations to our winners and finalists. We are overjoyed by your much deserved success which is testament to the hard work and dedication to improving the lives of children shown by yourselves and across the company as a whole. There is such fierce competition in each category from some excellent nurseries so these wins are incredible achievements.”
