Wallingford resident receives national Childminder of the Year Award
Wallingford resident Sally Harvey has received the prestigious national Childminder of the Year Award 2021, from Nursery World magazine.
Sally has offered a homely, caring, and nurturing environment to more than 40 children for over 12 years as a childminder, and her commitment to child development and growth has played a pivotal role in her approach to care. Sally also supports other childminders through Oxfordshire County Council’s early years service, which supports teachers, practitioners and professionals in the childcare sector.
Councillor Liz Brighouse, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Youth Services, said: “It’s wonderful to see Sally’s dedication to childcare receive the acknowledgement it deserves. Oxfordshire County Council is always looking for more childminders. I would strongly encourage anyone who is considering a career in childcare to look to individuals like Sally as a wonderful example of the impact childminders can have on a child’s growth and development.”
Sally said: “I am truly touched to receive such recognition from Nursery World and the wider childcare industry. No matter how many children I have welcomed into my home, seeing a child’s progress and development will always be a truly special moment. After the last year and a half, it was wonderful to come together with other childminders at the ceremony in London and celebrate the incredible work of so many towards supporting and caring for children.”
With carefully planned indoor and outdoor activities, Sally has given over 40 children opportunities to help their physical development, creativity, problem solving skills, and self-esteem. Children can create stories from problem and solution scenarios and enjoy an environment which is central to language learning. Outside play includes Sally’s ‘mud kitchen’, which further encourages problem solving using tactile skills.
Sally, who has been a registered Oxfordshire childminder since 2009, achieved ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted inspection ratings in 2015 and again in 2019.
The judges were impressed with both her work as a childminder, and her dedication in cultivating a strong network of childminders across Oxfordshire.
By mentoring newly registered childminders at the start of their careers, Sally encourages personal and professional growth to ensure they are motivated to be childminders for many years to come.
Abingdon’s Marcham Little Angels Nursery also received recognition at the Nursery World Awards. It was a finalist in the online and social media category. The nursery was applauded for its communications support, and guidance given to parents and guardians of children through online and digital platforms.
For further information on becoming a childminder in Oxfordshire, visit the childminding webpage on the county council’s website.
Ends
For more information about this release contact the Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council communications team on 01865 323870 or email press.office@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.