26 July 2011

Crêchendo is shortlisted for Nursery World award

Annie Cook is nominated as ‘trainer of the year’

Crêchendo, one of the UK’s most respected training organisations within the Early Years, Childcare and Playwork sectors, is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted in the ‘Trainer of the Year’ category for this year’s Nursery World awards.

Annie Cook, Training Officer and A1 NVQ Assessor at Crêchendo has been short listed for the trainer of the year award. This award is open to any individual who is responsible for early years and childcare training in colleges, training companies or in-house for nursery groups etc. It will be judged by a distinguished panel of experts and professionals from across the early years sector.

Annie specialises in Playwork and Outdoor Play as well as delivering and assessing CACHE qualification courses for the CACHE Level 3 NVQ in Playwork. She has also delivered many bespoke outdoor training days within London and the Home Counties to nearly 500 students. The topics include: Environmental play, Going into Battle, Outdoor Play, Effective Communication and Crêchendo’s unique ‘Bees, Trees and Dirty Knees’.

Annie says “I believe that people learn best when they are enjoying the experience, so I try to make the sessions we run as enjoyable as possible. I’ve always taken my own training and development seriously, including the opportunity to learn in different ways. For example, to better understand the ‘beauty of play’, I spent a few nights under canvas, which gave me some great ideas to incorporate into future training sessions!

I also currently volunteer in a playscheme that supports refugee families (Salusbury WORLD) to 'keep my hand in' as it's something I’m very passionate about too. In fact, I am always looking for ways to make a difference and to support others on their learning and development journeys.”

Crêchendo Founder and Managing Director Philip Davies, adds “I have met many excellent trainers and indeed, we have a great team at Crêchendo. Annie stands out because, having climbed the steep ladder from learner to trainer with such passion and commitment, she has earned the respect of learners, clients and colleagues alike. She always goes the extra mile for her learners (quite literally too – uncomplainingly delivering courses far and wide).

Annie has many facets that contribute to making her a fantastic trainer. She has boundless enthusiasm, a tremendous wealth of knowledge and understanding of play, as well as a willingness to share her knowledge and to learn from others, both in the team and outside. We are extremely proud that her talents and achievements to date have been independently recognised in this nomination.”

The Nursery World awards ceremony takes place on Friday 30 September 2011, at Lancaster London, Lancaster Gate, London W2 2TY

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