Top award for Sandwell Academy nursery manager

Sandwell Academy Day Nursery Manger Debbie Rides is celebrating after winning the Childcare Practitioner Award 2011 at the Sandwell Early Years and Childcare Unit Childcare Celebration Event.

The event, which celebrates and acknowledges the hard work and dedication of all the childcare providers in Sandwell was attended by over 150 childcare providers. Nominations were received from practitioners, parents, managers and professionals for childcare practitioners who had gone that extra mile for the children in their care.

Miss Rides has been Manager of the Day Nursery at Sandwell Academy since it first opened in April 2007 and has built a team of loyal and dedicated staff to ensure the best quality care for the children. Nominations described her as a "very hardworking and dedicated manager always going above her role as manager" and stated that "she uses her expertise to encourage the staff and children in the nursery to work together to create a happy and safe environment".

Simon Topper, Head of Sandwell Academy, said "I am delighted that Debbie's hard work and dedication has been recognised in this way. She runs a fantastic nursery and the children get a wonderful experience during their time with us."