Nursery practitioner shortlisted as finalist for prestigious award
An Early Years teacher and room leader at Bright Horizons Kings Hill Day Nursery and Preschool in Kent has been announced as a finalist at the National NMT (Nursery Management Today) Nursery Awards 2022.
Catalina Pandaru, who oversees the preschool room at the nursery, is a finalist for the Nursery Practitioner Award. She is known at the nursery for her attention to detail and ability to bring the Bright Beginnings wellbeing curriculum to life through specific activities using additional items such as ice cubes or compost.
Catalina said: “Discovering the world through the children’s eyes is one of the most wonderful journeys. Helping them learn and develop new skills, exploring the world around them and expanding their imagination is an amazing opportunity to set the foundation for a great start in life. I will continue to support the families in our community and help the children reach their full potential through the endless opportunities our early years environment brings. I am so grateful to be nominated for an NMT Award this year as well as being recognised for the learning opportunities I have created and developed over the past few years.”
Maxine Hayward Morgan, Room Leader at Kings Hill Day Nursery and Preschool, said of Catalina: “She is the most creative person I have ever met. She puts the needs of the children and the nursery first, ensuring the environment encourages teaching, creativity and always keeps safety in mind. Catalina has supported me in my role as room leader by enabling me to elaborate on ideas, extend learning and often compliments my room, which enhances to my confidence. From paper mache’ planets to a house for the three bears to handmade flowers, Catalina is an outstanding individual and embodies every quality you would want in an early years teacher.”
The National NMT Nursery Awards has been recognising the achievements of and outstanding practice within nurseries across the UK for 20 years. The awards ceremony will see more than 700 key industry contacts come together to celebrate the winners, who are selected by an illustrious panel of judges.
Bright Horizons has also been selected as a finalist in the Business Development Award, Outdoor Learning Environment Award and Group Over 10 Settings Award categories. Award winners will be revealed at a ceremony set to take place on November 19th at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London.
Providing exceptional experiences and giving children and their families the best possible care and early years education is at the core of everything the team at Bright Horizons do. If you’re interested in a career in Early Years at Kings Hill Day Nursery and Preschool then please click here or email jointheteam@brighthorizons.com
For more information on the nursery click here.
