Nottingham
Charlotte Atkins joined the Cherubs Longdale team in April 2018 and is working towards her NVQ Level 2 in Childcare. Prior to joining the team, Charlotte studied for a foundation degree in sports coaching and development. She now uses that experience to help make weekly football sessions fun and engaging for all children.
While Charlotte is currently based in the Buttercup Room, which cares for children between one and two years of age, she is more than happy to work across the nursery to support all her colleagues. Charlotte works with her team to ensure the EYFS is effectively followed and all children make progress and leave with fantastic memories. She supports four key children, recently referring one for additional support for communication and language, which benefited them enormously.
As an apprentice at Cherubs Nurseries, part of the training involves attending a wide range of training courses and workshops. Charlotte prides herself on implementing ideas she has bought back from the training, sharing them with her team where applicable.
In addition to this, Charlotte is heavily involved in the Cherubs community. She has continually supported fundraising events, including raising money for a charity skydive.
Most recently, she volunteered to create new starter bags for children and families. She took time to research and assemble a bag containing a meaningful poem alongside gifts to make the first day a memorable one. The bags also included nursery rhymes and songs for parents to use at home with their children. Charlotte was enthusiastic about the task throughout, completing most of it in her own time and supporting colleagues to ensure the bags were given out consistently and all team members were fully briefed.
“Charlotte has made a positive impact on children's physical development and, as such, their mental well-being
– judge
HIGHLY COMMENDED Connor Keaney, Bright Minds Daycare, Birmingham
Connor Keaney joined Bright Minds Daycare in February 2019 as a Level 3 apprentice practitioner in the toddler room. Having completed his Level 2 qualification some years earlier, his struggles with Crohn's disease and anxiety meant his start in childcare was delayed, and he described starting at Bright Minds Daycare as ‘coming home’.
He is responsible for documenting children's progress and has been a great support to his colleagues with the introduction of an electronic platform. He has a keen interest in outdoor learning and is the nursery's outdoor play champion.
Connor always comes into the setting with a fresh pair of eyes and is keen to share innovative ideas. He even brings his rabbit in every Monday for the children to look after throughout the week.
One child, who has a close relationship with his dad and misses his father when he is away with work, particularly loves seeing Connor every day at nursery. Connor has worked closely with the family to support this child through the transitions of his father's absence, allowing him to explore his feelings and representing a supportive male role model when he is at nursery.
The go-to guy when a colleague needs a listening ear, Connor also supports other apprentices to develop their self-confidence.
FINALIST
Georgina Wright, Kiddi Caru Caldecotte, Milton Keynes
CRITERION
Early years practitioners must have had less than one year's experience at closing date