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Outstanding achievement recognised in first annual Play Awards ceremony

NEWS RELEASE

26 June 2006

Outstanding achievement recognised in first annual Play Awards ceremony

Leading early years charity the Pre-school Learning Alliance has announced the winners of the 2006 Pre-school Play Awards, sponsored by Fisher-Price. The awards recognise the work of seven lucky winners who each represent different aspects of childcare. Each of the winners worked hard to promote and support children’s learning through play.

The awards were presented at a glittering event in London’s Soho Hotel, attended by a variety of invited guests as well as the 14 shortlisted candidates and their families. A panel of judges, which included the Chief Executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, Steve Alexander; Susanna Dawson, Chair of the National Childminding Association and Mara Lee, Editor of Practical Parenting, whittled down over 106 nominations to create a shortlist of 14. Speaking just after the final decisions had been made, judge Steve Alexander described the process as ‘extremely difficult’ due to the high quality of entries.

Parents of children under five nominated practitioners in each of the seven categories including Outstanding early years group, Outstanding individual practitioner and Outstanding childminder. The awards, which are set to become an annual calendar event are part of the Alliance’s on-going commitment to highlighting the importance of learning through play.

Winner of the Outstanding early years group for under 3s, Jean Bartlett from Tykes Corner Parent and Toddler Group said:

“We are over the moon about this award. The children, parents and the wider local community were delighted to hear the news. I set up the parent and toddler group after looking after my grandson, when I started to appreciate the need for more childcare settings in the local area. We now provide a space to learn and play to between 500 and 600 children a month.”

Adrian Mosses winner of Outstanding parent/carer award said:

“It’s not just for me but for the community centre where so much work is done for everyone, and for the kids who come to the centre.”

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Ben Miskell
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7697 2508
Out of hours press calls: 07802 827 678
E: Ben Miskell

Notes for Editors:

  1. The Pre-school Learning Alliance links 15,000 pre-schools and 800,000 young children and their families in England. Established in 1961 and registered as an educational charity, the Alliance is involved in more Sure Start projects than any other organisation and operates a number of Neighbourhood Nurseries. For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website: www.pre-school.org.uk
  2. Winners of the various categories were:
    Outstanding early years group – under 3s
    Tykes Corner Parent and Toddler Group
    Outstanding early years group – 3-5s
    Princess Louise Pre-school Nursery
    Outstanding childminder – under 3s
    Bev Gordon
    Outstanding childminder – 3-5s
    Julie Brocklehurst
    Outstanding individual practitioner – under 3s
    Angela Peetamsingh, Crowland Playgroup
    Outstanding individual practitioner – 3-5s
    Chris Hale, Droitwich Spa Nursery & Kindergarden
    Outstanding parent/carer
    Adrian Mosses
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