Now in their second year, the Awards recognise and highlight the bestthat is being achieved throughout the UK by organisations, teams,individuals, initiatives and equipment providers. They shine a light onthe hard work, innovation and dedication of those in early yearseducation and childcare, communicating aspects of best practice andhelping to raise the profile of the sector.
Early years education and childcare continues to develop and progress ata rapid pace. It is now a year since the implementation of the EarlyYears Foundation Stage, while the drive to reform the early yearsworkforce through initiatives such as Early Years Professional Statusand the new Level 3 qualification is in full swing.
It can be all too easy to take the wonderful work going on in the sectorfor granted, and so the Nursery World Awards aim to recognise and rewardthe best. In these pages, you can read the inspiring stories of ourwinners, highly commendeds and finalists - thank you to everybody whotook the time to enter.
Many thanks too to our eminent panel of judges drawn from across thesector (see pages 5-7), who gave generously of their time, knowledge andskills to carry out their sometimes arduous, but always rewardingtask.
MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSOR
The Department for Children, Schools and Families exists to help makethis country the best place in the world for children to grow up in. Weare seeking to extend opportunities and give every child the best startin life, whatever their social background or family circumstances. TheChildren's Plan made it clear that parents bring up children, notGovernment, but sometimes families need extra help and support. It isfitting that, among other things, the Nursery World Awards includesexemplary child-centred and family-centred approaches in practitioners'everyday practice. And, one year since the introduction of the EarlyYears Foundation Stage (EYFS), it is fitting to celebrate andcongratulate professionals who are working very hard to implement theEYFS and support children's development, well-being and enjoyment. Thankyou.
The DCSF is delighted to sponsor the Nursery World Awards 2009, and torecognise excellence in working with parents, in inclusive practice, andin childminding. The work to improve standards continues, and theseawards are an inspiration for future practice and development.
www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters.