Chiltern College Professional Nanny of the Year Award Announced
The Conference in September 2011, co-sponsored by Eden Nannies & Maternity & Morton Michel, (Childcare Insurance Specialists) was a great success.

Over 100 people attended the event, hearing speakers including our main speaker, Ros Bayley, a leading Early Years' Consultant, Trainer and Storyteller.

The Conference culminated in the announcement of The Chiltern College Professional Nanny of the Year 2011, the prestigious annual award for which nannies from across the country apply.

Cheryl Brown was announced the winner of the Professional Nanny of the Year 2011. Cheryl (25) from Bedfordshire works for a family with 2 little boys. Her prize was an IPAD.

Frances Aldridge was placed 2nd. Frances (44) from Stevenage works with 2 families. Her prize was donated by MNT Training and is a choice of Virgin Experience Days.

Penny Watts was placed 3rd. Penny (42) is from Croydon and nanny to a family with 2 children. Her prize, donated by Nannytax, is a choice of 80 unusual 1 night escapes for 2.

Chris Lawrence, Principal of The Chiltern College said: "It was a difficult decision between the five finalists as all were able to demonstrate their commitment and professionalism as nannies. I would like to congratulate the winner and all the finalists on their achievement.
We believe that Cheryl Brown will be a good ambassador for both the profession and the award during the coming year and we look forward to working with her to raise the profile of this very important role that nannies undertake for families up and down the country."

Eden Nannies & Maternity, Co-Sponsors of Voice Professional Nanny of the Year Award 2010 at The Chiltern Nanny College, Reading

On Saturday 18 September, Eden Nannies & Maternity co-sponsored this event, which was very well attended and help promote and recognise the professional role of nannies and maternity nurses.

At the end of the day the winner of the Voice Professional Nanny of the Year Award 2010 was announced.

There were 5 finalists and each Nanny had been previously interviewed at the college and spent the day there.

Julie Daniels from London won first prize, which was a luxury day trip to Paris via Eurostar, including lunch at the Eiffel Tower.

Second prize went to Elizabeth Peck from Buckinghamshire; third prize to Joanna Smith from London; fourth prize to Jaime Frow, from Hertfordshire and fifth prize to Carolyn Bain from Buckinghamshire.

I have recently been awarded Voice Professional Nanny of the Year 2009.

I am Katy Hayden I am 27 and love my job as a full time nanny.

I complete my NNEB Diploma in childcare and qualified in June 2000 and started full time work straight away at the age of 18 and have never looked back, that was 9 years ago.

I have worked with children from birth to 10years, both boys and girls and even twins. I am currently doing a nanny share with three families in St Albans they all have one child under two. I always have two children at a time, I work four and a half days a week 7am - 7pm.

I cant express how much I love my job. I always knew this was right for me. I love the caring aspect of it, watching babies grow into children knowing that you have contributed to them being who they are. Its rewarding, challenging & exciting. Every day is different, you can plan your days to suit the children your not required to have every Monday morning the same. You get to meet so many people, families, other nannies and really make long term friendships. Its an amazing feeling when the babies say your name for the 1st time or you teach them something new it makes me feel really proud of them and that I am full filling their needs. I really wouldn't be in any other job, its lovely to be part of another family and be able to help parents with bringing up their children, using my experiences and knowledge. There are so many great aspects of being a nanny and I would recommend it to anyone, But you do have to be hard working, work from your own initiative, be professional, honest, warm, consistent in your care and approach to your work, trustworthy, able to communicate with adults in a mature manner. I also believe you have to be able to build relationships with the parents as working with them to provide a safe, secure and caring environment for the child is a must as a nanny. You also have to be aware of the parents needs along with the children, as although we are the trained ones they are still not our children and as a professional nanny it is important not to step on their toes or undermine their views.

Now to my award which I am so proud of. I was nominated by my current employers Mr and Mrs Costin in July this year. This is a national award and I was short listed to the final Four and had to attend an interview at Chiltern college in Reading in September. After this it was a long two weeks until the Professional Nanny conference 2009 held at Chiltern college Reading. This was a day of seminars and a chance to meet other nannies. At 3.00pm the Professional nanny of the year winner was announced. I was totally shocked when my name was announced as the winner, this is an absolutely amazing achievement for me and I feel a great recognition for the job I love.
I will be working with Voice the union over the next year to raise the profile of nannies within the industry and gain the awareness that nannies are professionals. We work hard to gain our qualifications and we need to be recognised for our skills and work that we give to children and their families.

For anyone who is thinking about becoming a nanny contact your local college, you will be required to complete the current childcare course. Once you qualify it is important to register with nanny agencies in your area. They will provide you with help and advice through finding jobs. It is also good to get Public liability insurance, you can do this though Morton Michele and a CRB check and 1st aid course is a must.
Finally it is a good idea to join a union such as Voice, they will provide you with support and advise through your working years, and are able to help if any problems occur.

It is important for nannies to feel established with in the industry but also by the employers it was an amazing feeling to know two people felt so strongly about me and my contribution to their little girls life, that they would take the time to nominate me for such a prestigious award.

If you have a nanny and would like to nominate them for Professional Nanny of the Year 2010 award please go to www.voicetheunion.org.uk You can also read more about my achievement on this website.