Just a mile from the city Centre Wester Coates Nursery School is an environment where “children are loved, nurtured and educated, mostly outdoors, and through play”. Now the school founder is shortlisted for the Nursery World Award for making an “Outstanding Contribution”.
Heading the nursery, founder and teacher Alison Hawkins, started Wester Coates almost 35 years ago when her youngest child was two and a half.
The nursery has gone from strength to strength, supporting children and their families over the years.
- Parents have said: “It is no wonder Alison has been nominated for this award – she ‘looks after’ everyone in sight!”
- “Our whole family has benefited from Alison’s freely given time and wise counsel”
- “At Wester Coates Nursery School children do really thrive. Their learning is deep and varied and every time I visit, the overwhelming impression is one of happiness and fun”
Alison said she is honoured by the nomination and delighted by the recognition, but is even more pleased that the philosophy and ethos of the kindergarten approach, founded on the principles of Friedrich Froebel, have been recognised through her work.
This weekend staff and volunteers are going to London to attend the award ceremony.
Alison was one of the authors who contributed to the publication “Putting Storytelling at the Heart of Early Childhood Practice” which won the Professional Book of the Year in 2021.
She said that the annual awards evening sums up expertise and dedication from the many people involved and gives a rare opportunity for Early Years workers to meet and celebrate together.
Earlier this year Mrs Hawkins graduated with a Master’s degree – her second degree in 50 years.
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