Despite joining as a newly-qualified teacher at Rose House Montessori in January of this year, Pookie Russell has already implemented a number of projects that have engaged children's interests and enhanced their learning.
Her focus on maths has led to many of the children developing a love of the subject thanks to the innovative techniques she uses to gauge their understanding.
An activity to get the children to make their own 'short bead stairs' for counting, which they were allowed to keep as their own 'maths treasures', proved particularly successful in helping the children to solve maths equations.
Another of Pookie's exceptional talents, says her headteacher Ursula Nerre, is her ability to develop children's independence by listening to and observing their interests and creating activities that engage them.
An example she gives is the dressmaking project that Pookie led on, which was inspired by the interests of one girl who wanted to know how to make a dress. Taking this on board, Pookie taught all the older children how to sew with a needle and thread to create a waistcoat and make pleats. To involve everyone at the setting, she invited the younger children to decorate the garments using stickers and pegs. Inspired by the children's enthusiasm for the project, Pookie took this further by teaching them about the history of fashion with a 'fashion time-line', which then led to the children thinking about the Royal wedding and organising their very own party.
Ursula Nerre says, 'This project had an immense impact on our children's joy for learning, sense of community and creative thinking. Not only did it enhance their social, emotional and fine motor skills, but it developed their maths skills through measuring and estimating.'
Pookie is admired by colleagues who say she is always willing to help out, and call her a 'fantastic teacher' and a 'joy to work with'.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Gemma Matyus, nursery nurse, Springfields Day Nursery, Staffordshire, part of the Asquith group
Gemma has overcome her shyness to build strong relationships with the children in her care and their parents. The importance she places on getting to really know children is reflected in her planning and the children's learning journals, which are very informative and beautifully presented. Gemma's hard work and dedication to the role means her colleagues feel confident in leaving her in charge as they know she will carry out all duties to the highest standard.
FINALISTS
Samantha Cleary, nursery nurse, Kids Planet Day Nurseries, Hale, Greater Manchester
Victoria Wilson, room leader, Hipperholme & Lightcliffe Day Nurseries, Brighouse, West Yorkshire
Criterion: Open to early years practitioners with less than one year's experience at closing date.
