Professional Nanny of the Year

Voice, the union for education professionals announces this year’s Professional Nanny of the Year

Debbie Darnborough from Church Stretton in Shropshire has been crowned Professional Nanny of the Year 2008. Debbie has been a nanny for eight years and currently cares for three children aged seven, five and five months.

Debbie said, ‘To be nominated was a great honour and reinforced the respect my family have for me and my efforts. Five of us were shortlisted and attended an intense but enjoyable day at Chiltern Collage in Reading. The day included spending time in the college nursery interacting with the children and being observed, then we were interviewed by two panels of judges. The interview questions varied from what we felt we could bring to the professionalism of the nanny role to how we meet the holistic needs of the children.’

Debbie (centre) proudly shows off her award with Sophie Mitchell (left) who was the runner-up and Filsane Gure (right) who came third

From five excellent nannies, the judges whittled them down to three. Debbie said, ‘We attended Voice’s annual conference and I was delighted to be told that I was Professional Nanny of the Year 2008. The ceremony, like the award itself, showed recognition and support for all of the unsung work of nannies. Nannies often go without praise and unnoticed when their work is invaluable.’

The Professional Nanny of the Year Award, which was launched in 2004, recognises the highly professional role that nannies play in providing high-quality, safe and flexible childcare to thousands of famiies throughout the UK.