For Sam, childminding is not just a job; it's her absolute passion.
The Essex childminder goes out of her way to help families support children in her care. When one parent's car broke down hours before a planned holiday, Sam drove the family 100 miles so they could enjoy their vacation.
She also regularly drops parents to appointments if they don't drive, and always makes sure she accommodates families' needs, even if it means working longer hours.
Parents say that Sam, who has worked as a childminder for four years, is like a second mum to their children.
Her efforts to support families were recognised by Ofsted in her latest report, calling Sam's partnership with parents 'superb' and her approach to safeguarding and children's well-being 'inspirational'.
The Essex childminder, who also provides care for children with disabilities to give parents some respite through a scheme called Marvellous Minders, is very committed to training and enhancing her practice.
To inspire other learners, Sam was made an ambassador of Southend Adult Community College.
Samantha Collison, development and network co-ordinator at the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY), who nominated Sam for this award, says she deserves to win just for managing to cope with an Ofsted inspection at the same time as moving home and finishing her Level 5 childcare degree. Sam achieved a grade of outstanding.
Ms Collinson says, 'Sam provides a setting that is inspirational and exceptional in the way that it nurtures and develops children in her care and supports working families.
'Sam doesn't normally like a lot of attention, but on this occasion, she really needs to know how many lives she has impacted and how special she is.'
Finalists
May (Maisie) Collin, Maisie Poppins Childcare, Hackney
Joanne Hall, Little Explorers Childcare and Early Education, Hillingdon, Uxbridge
Criterion
Open to Ofsted registered childminders only.
Sponsored by childcare.co.uk
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