Cathy is runner-up

In 2021 Cathy was nominated by Preschool Leader Veronika for working hard to improve practice and curriculum for her key group.

She has taken on long-term projects including early mark-making from gross to fine to build up writing skills, and recycling: “I had no idea that Veronika had entered me. It was a really sweet thing to do. I couldn’t believe that I came second – that’s quite high and such a big thing,”

Cathy has been working at the preschool for eight years: “I have always wanted to work with children and started after my son was born 18 years ago. I love seeing them progress. It’s really nice here as many of them go onto the main school and I see them growing up.”

Cathy started the recycling project as the preschool had lots of waste which she thought could be recycled instead: “We have lots of paper waste, bottles and packaging from lunch which we now recycle. I believe that if children learn at a young age they will carry on throughout their lives.”

The award was run by Training Early Years to mark a new National Practitioners Day on 17 October.

Cathy’s prize was a dinner for two.