Warwickshire News Mine

Childminder Karen Chetwynd from Nuneaton was honoured alongside professionals from the county’s best day nurseries, out of school clubs and pre-schools at the Warwickshire Childcare Awards.

The winners of the awards were revealed at a special ceremony, which was held at Leamington Pump Rooms on Friday 22 June. The awards are organised by Warwickshire County Council’s Early Years Service to recognise and celebrate the county’s best childcare providers.

Cllr Helen McCarthy, Chair of Warwickshire’s Sure Start Policy Panel, presented the awards and said: ”This is the ideal opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of those who care for and educate our babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and young people. Thankfully parents, and also the community of Warwickshire, have all of you to rely on.” 

Karen Chetwynd from Nuneaton scooped the childminder of the year title for the second year running. A childminder for 12 years, Karen has cared for children from as young as 4 weeks old up to the age of 11 years.

She is also quality assurance accredited through the National Childminding Association’s "Children Come First" network and is a Support Childminder, offering support and advice to newly-registered childminders in Warwickshire. 

After picking a shortlist last month, judges had to chose a winner in each of the seven categories. They were looking for examples of best practice in a number of different areas relating to childcare.

These included individual childminders, small businesses such as nurseries, and after-school clubs. Also, at the ceremony, 75-year-old Molly Price was recognised for her Lifetime Service. She has worked at Fillongley Pre-School in North Warwickshire for more than 35 years.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Children’s early years are most important in terms of their overall development, wellbeing and future economic success and we are indebted to our childcare providers for the vital role that they play in our community.

"Warwickshire County Council works with the early years community to promote excellence in childcare and all of the finalists demonstrate the quality of childcare available to parents across the county.”

WARWICKSHIRE CHILDCARE AWARDS 2007

Childminder of the Year has been awarded to Karen Chetwynd from Nuneaton. She demonstrated in both her original application and during a home visit made by members of the awards panel that she offers a high quality childminding service, supporting a number of families and is committed to her own ongoing professional development.

Childcare Employer of the Year has been awarded to Knightlow Children’s Partnership, Rugby. They demonstrated a good flexible arrangement with staff and encouraged career development with employees. They were recognised for their good staff morale and positive relationships between management and employees.

Integrated Childcare Provision of the Year has been awarded to Clopton Nursery Trust, Stratford. They were recognised for their caring attitude, happy children and seamless service. The nursery was also commended for its stimulating learning environment both inside and outdoors.

Student Placement of the Year has been awarded to Windmills Nursery School in Harbury for helping to develop a future professional childcare workforce. They showed good interaction between staff, children and students. They were quick to recognise students’ abilities and skills, and students were encouraged to take an active role in planning and implementing activities.

School Age Childcare Provider of the Year has been awarded to Craven Out of School Club, Rugby, for providing quality care for children of school age and offering a wide variety of activities and support, which well matched to the individual children.

The Business Development Award has been awarded to Nature Trails Day Nursery, Rugby, for their good business planning and their commitment to future expansion. They showed strong marketing skills and had produced good quality information and promotional materials for parents.

Link to WCC