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.