ELMSCOT Day Nursery in Timperley is celebrating after staff member Jess Berry won an award for Best Newcomer of the Year at the prestigious Nursery World Awards, in London, writes Taaliah Nazar.

An annual event, the Nursey World Awards recognises and highlights achievements throughout the UK early years sector by organisations, teams, individuals, initiatives and equipment providers.

Jess, 21, was nominated for the award by her manager, Jo Stretton who said: “Jess is a huge credit to our nursery. She is extremely hard working and dedicates her time fully to the children within her care.”

Jess joined Elmscot as a student and progressed quickly, being promoted just four months after being employed as a nursey nurse.

Her new role as senior nursery nurse involves Jess running a newly refurbished pre-school room for up to 18 children. She helped to design it herself, transforming office space into an exciting and stimulating space for learning.

Also studying for her Early Years Foundation Degree, Jess is constantly introducing new ideas to the nursery and Judges praised her enthusiasm to keep learning, and to offer her knowledge to colleagues.

Fellow staff at Elmscot say Jess is supportive and approachable, with colleagues often nominating her for ‘team member of the month’.

Jess said: “It is really nice to be recognised for a national award by people in the same industry. The award ceremony was great and I enjoyed staying in London for the weekend.”

Elmscot group was established in 2001 by two local mums and includes three poplular day nurseries and nursery schools in Hale and Timperley.