Nursery World Professional Nanny of the Year Awards
Savernake Nannies were delighted to find out one of our registered nannies was a finalist in the Nursery World “Professional Nanny of the Year” awards.
Debbie recently caught up with Bernadette and chatted to her about how she felt being a finalist.
How did you feel when you found out?
“I Couldn’t believe it. I was excited and it gave me a big smile on my face for the rest of the day!”
Can you talk me through the process?
“I was asked by somebody if they could nominate me, so I said yes, sure! It was all pretty new to me as I hadn’t heard of it. Then I was asked if I could provide a referee. My boss wrote me a glowing reference, saying I was a big part of the family and they call me Mary Poppins. which I suppose I am as I carry around a big bag of books around with me. Then I received an email saying I was shortlisted, and not long after I receive an email stating I am a finalist and that they would like to interview me via zoom. They gave me a basic outline of the things we would discuss, such as talking about being a nanny and my experiences. I prepared a bit but after the event I thought oh I should have said this, and I should have said that and I’ m sure everybody felt the same after too. It was quite nerve racking to be interviewed but the judges were all very professional and so experienced in their field. I love doing my job so to be asked why I do it was hard to answer as I do it because I love it. I ‘ve never really analysed it! Now I just wait until February when the awards ceremony takes place."
How long have you been a Nanny?
"All in all, 8 years"
What made you change careers?
"I had always wanted to teach and when I got made redundant from my job, I thought I would look at a career in childcare. When I started researching, I soon appreciated that I really required a qualification. So, I enrolled on the Cache Early years educator level 3 and volunteered initially at a nursery ( who later took me on as bank staff) The things I learnt was amazing from feeding a pregnant mother to helping children with their phonics."
What are you doing to keep up with the changing times in the sector?
"I have attended many workshops and CPD courses from schemas to phonics and attended your roundtable workshops. I recently attended an online course called Challenging behaviour which prompted me to relook at my approaches. I appreciate that there are some changed to the EYFS and I will put my hand up and say I haven’t, as yet, read them but I am aware that they are there and I will read them in due course."
How has lockdown affected you regarding work?
"I was very lucky in the fact that both my employers could work form home and therefore not need me. I kept in touch with one of the families by reading stories and singing songs with the children via zoom. I also batch cooked for another family and met them halfway and handed over a box of precooked food!"
We all wish Bernadette good luck for the virtual award ceremony on February 4th, 2021