Colchester childminder receives prestigious national award

Kerri Fitzgibbon is celebrating a double achievement after being awarded Childminder of the Year 2024 for the UK and Ireland and getting an outstanding Ofsted. 

Poppyfields Teacher Led Early Years, which is run by Kerri, is located on Flanders field in Colchester and aims to provide a trusted childcare service.

As a qualified teacher and childminder, Kerri has years of experience in early childhood education and is ‘deeply committed’ to child-centred and nature-based learning.

Kerri has many years of experience in child care and education (Image: Unknown) The Nursery World Award is one of the highest honours in the childcare sector and was presented to Kerri in recognition of her unique approach to early years education.

She was praised for encouraging outdoor learning, emotional wellbeing, and building independence through hands-on experiences.

Judges at the Nursery World Awards praised Kerri’s "reflective and enriching practice".

Kerri also received an outstanding Ofsted rating shortly after receiving her award.

She said: “It has been such a whirlwind to win the Nursery World Award Childminder of the Year 2024 and then be graded outstanding by Ofsted the following week.

“I am beyond proud of what Poppyfields has become, and for the Nursery World Awards to comment on my hard work, passion, and knowledge felt so rewarding.

“I have always said children's worlds should be full of awe and wonder, and that is what I strive for every day.

“I am constantly in awe of my amazing little people, who are all such a huge part of my family.

“I just want to say an enormous thank you to my family, my colleagues, new and old, and my amazing little people and their families.”

At Poppyfields, Kerri offers structured learning and creative exploration to ‘empower’ young children and develop their resilience, independence and curiosity.

For more information on Poppyfields Teacher Led Early Years, visit its Facebook page.