The Children First Childminding Service, under the dedicated care of Debbie Bowring, has been announced as the Childminder of the Year at the Lincolnshire Education Excellence Awards 2023. Located in Ruskington, Sleaford, the service was recognised for its exceptional dedication to nurturing and educating children for the past 17 years.
With the motto 'be safe & healthy, to explore, to learn and to grow', Debbie has welcomed over 50 children into her setting. Many starting from as young as 8 weeks old, they were supported not just in their education, but also in their growth into well-rounded individuals. This dedicated care extended to the children’s families, where Debbie often offered guidance and support in times of need.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Debbie kept her setting open to ensure that children continued to learn and thrive, while providing critical support to working parents. She also played a significant role in her local community, establishing a Forest School, mentoring other childminders, and even forming a network group in the surrounding villages.
Debbie's devotion to her role, demonstrated through her tireless efforts and her accolades from Ofsted, truly embodies the spirit of the award. Having announced her retirement for the summer of 2024, this award serves as fitting recognition of her many years of dedicated service to children's education and well-being in Lincolnshire. It is clear that her impact on the families she has supported, and the wider childminding community, will long outlast her illustrious career.
The Lincolnshire Education Excellence Awards 2023, organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, were held on Friday, July 14, at the Engine Shed in Lincoln.