You can download a link to the awards book here
Hibah Ahmed has a natural talent for working with young children and shows great care, patience and kindness in all of her interactions with them. Her approach to her training has been exemplary and she has demonstrated a strong desire to learn and grow in her role, actively seeking out opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge.
Unusually for an apprentice, Hibah has taken on responsibility for developing the nursery’s outdoor area and used her Forest School training to support children’s outdoor learning and wellbeing. One of her most notable achievements is the design and implementation of a sensory garden. She personally researched and selected plants and materials that stimulate the senses – fragrant flowers, textured leaves and different colours and shapes. This project has made a significant difference to the nursery children’s outdoor explorations by providing a stimulating and engaging environment. Hibah has also worked on creating an outdoor classroom and developing a garden-based curriculum for the nursery, leading to more opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration.
Hibah knows the children in her care well, including how to identify and support children’s next steps and looking for ways to improve their experiences. She sources exciting resources and plans engaging activities, adapting her approach to meet the needs of individual children.
She has also developed excellent partnerships with parents, with one commenting, ‘There is never a moment when Hibah does not look like she’s enjoying her role and she is always keen to go above and beyond to ensure that the families she is supporting through her role are happy.
‘It warms my heart to hear and see Hibah celebrating the milestones that my girls achieve during their time in her care, and Hibah ensures these are captured and shared so nothing is missed.’
Regardless of being an apprentice, Hibah is an excellent role model and mentor for her colleagues. Her positive attitude and willingness to learn and grow have made her a valuable asset to the nursery’s team and she takes great pride in her work.
Above all, Hibah demonstrates a deep passion for the field of early years and a genuine desire to make a difference in children’s and families’ lives. She is described as an ‘exceptional apprentice who truly embodies the qualities of a star educator of the future’.
FINALISTS
• Natasha Bruce-Jones, Smallville Nursery – Kent
• Bethan Hall, Kerries Cherubs – Blyth
• Bethany Moorhouse – Little Angels Day Nursery and Out-Of-School Club – Huddersfield
• Liliana Nobrega Afonso, Seahorse Nursery Park House – London
CRITERION
Open to those undertaking an early years apprenticeship atany level, who show particular promise to be a star practitioner of the future.