Upminster, Essex
Ginny Andreas is described as ‘one in a million’ by staff, who say they are privileged to be led by a manager of such high calibre and talent.
An incredible role model, she is responsible for daily nursery operations and manages a team of 28. She strives to create a haven of kindness and ensures every child is cherished – children come first in every way.
According to her colleagues, Ginny leads by example, getting involved in all aspects of running a busy nursery from presenting to the Deputy Mayor of London and leading training sessions to helping with washing-up and laundry duties. Energetic and enthusiastic Ginny is always there with her sleeves rolled up, ready to get the job done.
Under Ginny's leadership, the nursery has achieved both the bronze and silver Healthy Early Years London (HEYL) awards, making it one of the first settings to do so.
Her ‘unwavering passion and ability’ to see the world through the eyes of a child inspires staff, children and parents alike.
One parent said she is ‘akin to the Pied Piper’ as the children follow her around and hang on her every word.
Ginny recognises the value of parents' input, holding regular parent's forum meetings and organising social meals out with mums and dads. The nursery's deputy and assistant deputy managers said, ‘Ginny is not just a manager to us, she is a wonderfully inspiring leader who supports us to be the best practitioners.’
The nursery's business development manager added, ‘Ginny has truly found her vocation in life within early years education. She goes above and beyond in the call of duty. When we first opened, one of our settling children left their beloved teddy at the nursery. Ginny personally delivered the teddy after work to ensure the child and teddy were reunited for bedtime.’
“Ginny is a real-life Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way. As a parent, I always feel valued and that nothing is too much trouble. The children never forget Ginny. My eldest is nearly six and still asks to pop by nursery after school to see her
– parent
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Sarah Presswood, George Perkins Day Nursery, Birmingham
Sarah Presswood's colleagues at the nursery call her a ‘truly inspirational leader’, whom they often refer to as Super Woman. She strives to ensure that any child and family have access to the nursery, putting in place any necessary adaptations to the environment, one-to-one support or arranging staff training.
Sarah has supported many families through difficult times such as traumas, lifelong medical diagnosis and challenges in behaviour. Nursery always remains number one for Sarah, and despite her continuing determination to remain fit and active – in the past eight years she has had two major spinal operations – and flood damage to a key room, she finally achieved Outstanding from Ofsted, something she has been working so hard with her team to achieve.
FINALISTS
Victoria Alter, Alyth Kindergarten, London
Danielle Riley, Woodlands Day Nursery, Elmscot Group, Timperley
Michael Takacs, Daisy Chain Bebington, Birkenhead
Audrey Willoughby, the Rocking Horse Nursery, London
CRITERION
Open to any nursery manager in a full daycare or sessional setting