Plenty of friends and fantastic carers were what children liked best about their childcare in this year's National Childcare Week art competition run by Nursery World and the Daycare Trust.
'My favourite carer is Kirsty because she is smart, funny and caring.
Kirsty can be shy at times. Kirsty listens to people. She will play a game if you ask nicely,' said one.
Many of the under-fives enjoyed dressing-up, with their play possibly influencing their future choice of career. 'I like dressing up as a doctor and playing with my poorly bear. He has a poorly leg and foot,' explained one four-year-old. Others enjoyed walks outside, splashing in puddles, and playing with the dolls and trains.
Drawing, painting and scrumptious food were other popular choices across all the age categories, while the older children enjoyed more energetic activities such as football, netball, roller-skating and disco dancing.
But for sheer enthusiasm for his childcare, you can't beat seven-year old Murren Watson, who said, 'I like coming to Danesfield because it's got like lots of things to play with and you make things with clay for Easter yesterday we sewed an animal and the best thing I like is friends nearly everyone has one sometimes people stay late sometimes people go early Roy is very funny he even stood on the table and that's what'.
Picking the winners from hundreds of entries was a difficult job for Liz Roberts, editor of Nursery World, and Stephen Burke and Beth Reid from the Daycare Trust. Liz says, 'Despite all the changes in childcare policy, friends, fun and food are still the most important things for children.'
Prizes of games and vouchers for the winning children and gift vouchers for their carers are due to be awarded on Friday 18 June. Minister for children, young people and families Margaret Hodge will present the prizes in a special ceremony at London Zoo. NW
UNDER-FIVES
1st prize
Shakir Chaudhery
Age four, Early Learners Nursery School, Leicester
'This is a picture of Umar and he is my friend because he is kind to me.'
2nd prize
Frances Ashdown
Age four, Ferndene Nursery, Darlington
'I like to dress up.'
3rd prize
Kelsey Page
Age three, Burton Day Nursery, Bournemouth
'I like nursery best because I get dinner!'
FIVE TO SEVEN
1st prize
Esther Farnel
Age seven, Thislebees Out of School Club, Darlington
'I like playing rounders.'
2nd prize
Natasha Stapley
Age six, Woodside First and Nursery School, Norwich
'The best thing about after-school club is it's got good helpers.'
3rd prize
Miriam Farrant
Age seven, Blossomfield Infant School, Solihull
'Kid's Club. What I like most! Sharon, friends, drawing, drinks and biscuits, dolls, the TV and videos, dressing up, games, cars and trucks, kitchen tools.'
EIGHT TO ELEVEN
1st prize
Jessica Lovegrove
Age nine, Buccaneer After School Club, Minehead
'Buccaneers is the best. These are the games I like to play on the field with my friends.'
2nd prize
Georgia O'Carolan
Age ten, Preston
'I like doing topics like butterfly projects when we bred butterflies and wrote diaries on them.'
3rd prize
Joe Partridge
Age ten, Revellers Club, Rugby
'I like playing hockey with my friends at kids' club because every body gets a turn.'