Individuals and organisations working in a variety of childcare settings have been recognised in Lewisham’s Excellence in Childcare Awards, held on 28 March at the Civic Suite, Catford.
The awards, now in their second year, are an opportunity to celebrate the commitment and achievements of a wide range of childcare practitioners working across Council, private and voluntary settings in the borough.
There were 14 award categories as well as a Long Service Award for a Council employee celebrating 25 years’ service.
Christine Grice, Head of Access and Support for Lewisham Council’s Children and Young People Directorate, said: “Lewisham has a strong network of committed practitioners who deliver high quality childcare provision across the borough. This annual celebration gives us an opportunity to show our appreciation of their work and dedication and to reward excellence.
“My congratulations to the winners and our thanks to all those who work tirelessly to ensure our youngest residents have the very best start in life. Without their hard work and commitment it would not be possible to provide the range of quality services to children and their families.”
Awards were presented to the following winners:
Manager of the Year
Cher Moore, Oakhill Nursery
Childminder of the Year
Alicia Cottrell
Playworker of the Year
Stuart Devine, Watergate After-School Club
SENCO of the Year
Jacqui Smith, Rushey Green Early Childhood Centre
Team of the Year (joint winners)
Honor Oak Early Childhood Centre
Bunbury Créche
Setting of the Year – Full Day Care
Ladywell Early Childhood Centre
Setting of the Year – Out of School
St Mary’s After School Club
Setting of the Year – Sessional (joint winners)
Little Lambs Pre-School
Lewisham Opportunity Pre-School
Sydenham Pre-School
Setting of the Year – Schools
Baring Primary School
Most Improved Setting of the Year
Grove Park Pre-School
Early Years Practitioner of the Year – Schools (joint winners)
June Golding, Dalmain Primary School
Fiona Wallace, Sandhurst Primary School
Early years Practitioner of the Year – Private Setting
Donna Colby, Orchard Grove Nursery
Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement
Judith Pye, Quality & Training Manager, Children’s Centres, Childcare and Play
Rosemary May, Team Leader, Early Intervention Team
Award for Participating in the Lewisham Quality Assurance pilot project
Lewisham College Nursery
Little Cherubs Day Nursery
Meliot Road Family Centre
Catherine House Day Nursery
Rushey Green Early Childhood Centre
Honor Oak Early Childhood Centre
Margaret Sandra Workplace Nursery
St Mary’s After School Club
Sydenham Junior School
Elizabeth Anne Grandison-Mills
Sandra Perrin
Susan Shipman
LB Lewisham Long Service Award
Jean Keating, Rushey Green Early Childhood Centre
Stuart Devine, who works at the Watergate After School Club and won the Playworker of the Year award, said: “I’m really pleased to have won an award. It’s nice to be recognised for the work that we are doing.
“Early and social education through After School clubs is particularly important and winning this award is a credit to everyone involved in the out-of-school service – not just me.”