Superstar nominees

Nominee: Nicola Bell

Nominated by: Helen Hawksworth and Louise Chilton

Setting: Wiltots Toddler Group

One word stands out when reading the testimonials in support of Nicola’s nomination for the Belle Tutaev Lifetime Achievement Award: dedicated.

In March 2023, Nicola’s life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Despite having been a childminder in the village of Wilsden for 14 years with 29 children on her books at the time, Nicola’s diagnosis meant she had to close her business. Luckily, she’d also spent six years alongside Helen and Louise – her nominators – running Wiltots Toddler Group. During her initial treatments, Nicola needed to take some time off to heal, but she was never too far from proceedings, helping to keep vital elements of the group ticking along behind the scenes while supporting group colleagues with funding documents, resource prepping, and planning – a huge show of both dedication and commitment to her volunteer role.

In January, Nicola turned 50. Wiltots held a surprise party, where parents showered her in cards and presents that showed just how much she is loved and appreciated by all.

Families in Wilsdon have heaped praise on Nicola, noting that she’s always happy to chat and put other people first, while also providing beneficial sensory, craft, and celebratory learning experiences for the children:

“Despite her struggles and worries, she never stops smiling and joking, and always gives 100%. We’re very lucky to have her – a strong, capable and formidable woman.”

“Nicola, we can’t thank you enough for your commitment and dedication to Wiltots. You are our Wiltots hero!”

Nominee: Andreé Smith

Nominated by: Emma Whittaker

Setting: Lewin Pre-school

Andreé has worked at Lewin Pre-school for long enough (since 1987!) to welcome different generations of families through the door. During this time, she has offered life-changing care and support to families, who credit Andreé’s approach and adaptations for wonderful early years experiences.

Emma, Andreé’s nominator, said: “Every week, you’d step into preschool and not know what world you’d be transported to in the home corner, which could be anything – a vets filled with cuddly toys, a house, a post office, or, my favourite, a workshop for Santa’s elves with tools and items for children to create!”

Also volunteering at holiday clubs in the local church, Andreé has helped to cultivate spaces for children over the years where their sensory needs and differences are not only considered and catered for, but also celebrated. For many, this has been life-changing, creating a sanctuary of nurturing safety.

Emma said: “Andreé celebrates children, encourages them, and creates a sense of community. That sense of community meant that you got to know other parents and enjoy creative fundraisers, such as a pottery cafe onsite for the community to visit twice a year for an afternoon after pre-school

Nominee: Hadijah Nakayiza

Nominated by: Vlora Arifi

Setting: Little Jewels Pre-school

For the last two years, Hadijah has been the deputy at Little Jewels Pre-school and overseen the nursery as it’s thrived – all through her hard work!

Hadijah works closely with staff, ensuring their happiness and that they receive exemplary 1:1 training, all while completing DfE training modules in her own time, conducting peer observations and assessments for the children.

Colleague and nominator Vlora Arifi said of Hadijah: “Our children and staff are so calm, as Hadijah has managed to adapt a peaceful, enriching environment. If there are any behaviour issues, accidents or concerns, she’s the one that handles these and speaks to families – always maintaining a tranquil atmosphere and offering understanding, advice and support for parents and families.”

In her role as deputy, Hadijah has helped transform the children’s day-to-day experiences to ensure they’re varied, build resilience and curiosity, and encourage independent thinking via sensory experiences.

“The children are taken twice a week on trips, they have outdoor play in all weathers, and sensory activities are at the heart of the nursery, as well as books. There are so many things she does, of which I’ve mentioned just a few, but it’s clear from it all that Hadijah always does what is best for children and staff!”

Nominee: Kerry Whitehouse and Vicky Powell

Nominated by: Richard Powell, Zoe Garvey and Lisa Checkley

Setting: Tipton Toddlers Day Nursery

Kerry and Vicky are sisters who live their lives to the benefit of others, with a joint philosophy of promoting the ‘community’ – thus their childcare adventure started back in 1999 with this notion in mind.

Through their various roles in the locality, Kerry and Vicky have contributed towards the sustainability and success of key services across the community, as well as providing hundreds of local jobs and opportunities, and a safe space for families.

Both have been pivotal in the development of the community, with Vicky being hands-on and having led parent-focused videos and step-by-step guides on educational topics such as accessing government funding and potty training, while showing support and understanding of their individual struggles.

Kerry, meanwhile, has recently been quoted in an early years text for her expert opinions and help shaping local curriculums.

Despite their own personal obstacles over the years, this has never stopped them from living by the philosophies shared. Their continuity and consistency through the good and bad times are what show their true depth of character – and this is why they’re celebrating their 25th year working together!

As Kerry says: “Always be true to yourself.”

Nominee: Laura Moreland 

Nominated by: Vicki Lewis 

Setting: Little Potters Pre-school

Laura goes above and beyond her role as a practitioner at Little Potters Pre-school. Not only does she fulfil this role during the week, but Laura also comes into the setting in her free time to feed the nursery pets, prep activities, and paint the garden – among other tasks!

Extremely passionate about supporting the setting’s SEN children, Laura’s been noted by outside agencies, meaning that SEN children get signposted to Little Potters as they know they’ll receive the best possible care and commitment. She also leads on learning, ensuring all children make good progress while also supporting staff in building interventions and achievable targets for children, and preparing the older children for school transition. On top of this, Laura offers parent workshops and information evenings to inform them on current activities and the purpose behind them.

Vicki, Laura’s nominator, said: “Laura is well respected by the whole staff team and, often, staff will turn to her for support and a shoulder to cry on. I hope Laura continues to work with me for many years to come; she truly is inspirational.”

Nominee: Linsie Dare 

Nominated by: Libby Houston 

Setting: Munchkins Nursery

Linsie has worked in early years for over 20 years and, within this time, has made a huge impact on so many settings and sectors. With her experience as SENDCo, Linsie has built a wealth of knowledge regarding SEND, patterns of play, and how children learn, providing high-quality practice.

Joining Munchkins four years ago, Linsie has completely turned the company around. She has instilled in staff how to focus on the child and always put them at the centre of play and learning. This led to a change in planning approach that has allowed staff to be more present and in tune with the children, alongside a curriculum change echoing this and a wraparound framework. This curriculum and focus helped Munchkins earn its very first Ofsted ‘outstanding’.

Linsie’s nominator, Libby, said: “We would not be where we are today without Linsie, and her impact has been like no other. To be able to provide high-quality childcare, ensure all staffs’ needs and differences are celebrated, and to constantly evaluate and improve the values Linsie has instilled, and we are now an outstanding nursery and are changing lives daily as a whole.”

Nominee: Nikki Guest 

Nominated by: Grace Bayliss 

Setting: Brambles Outdoor Nursery Group - Hindon

Nikki – manager of Hindon Outdoor Nursery for the last five years – has a magical skill: give her any recycled item and she can transform it into the most magical world for the children! There’s always a castle, pirate ship, den or train made out of palettes in the setting that the children have created with her.

On top of having a fabulous imagination that the children adore, Nikki always goes above and beyond for her team and wider staff members. Whether it’s small things like checking in on staff with phone calls and text messages or bigger things, like supporting staff through personal issues or cooking bacon sandwiches for the staff and setting up surprises for them if it’s been a tricky week.

Families of the nursery praise Nikki highly, commending her kindness, knowledge and support:

“As a family we think Nikki is amazing! She’s certainly very knowledgeable when it comes to the children and is willing to help if you’ll listen. She’s been exactly what we needed!”

“My daughter is absolutely thriving thanks to Nikki and her team.”

Nominee: Sheila Gavan 

Nominated by: Peter Farrant 

Setting: Dolphins Pre-school

Sheila Gavan has devoted much of her professional career to ensuring that every child under her care receives the highest quality early education experience possible. As the principal of Dolphins Pre-school, she has been instrumental in shaping the lives of countless generations.

One of Sheila’s most remarkable qualities is her unwavering dedication to the wellbeing and development of each individual child. She possesses a deep understanding of child development principles and utilises this knowledge to create nurturing, stimulating environments where children can thrive.

In addition to her outstanding work behind the scenes, Sheila is also a passionate advocate for early childhood education at grassroots level. She generously shares her knowledge and expertise and, now in her late 70s, she still works tirelessly advancing early childhood education where her insights and leadership have been invaluable.

Describing Sheila as “a beacon of inspiration and mentorship to her colleagues” with a leadership style “characterised by a genuine passion for empowering others to reach their full potential”. Her nominator, Peter Farrant, continued to say: “In recognition of her exemplary contributions to the field of early childhood education, her unwavering dedication to children and families, and her tireless advocacy on behalf of young learners, I wholeheartedly nominate Sheila Gavan for the Early Years Alliance Belle Tutaev Lifetime Achievement Award. Sheila embodies the spirit of this prestigious award, and her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.”