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Title: Cow & Gates Childminder of the Year
Date:
News Details:
Karen Brown from Bendooragh, Ballymoney has been awarded the title of 2006 Childminder of the Year by baby nutritional experts, Cow & Gate.
Karen beat off the challenge of five other childminders from all around Northern Ireland to lift the title, the specially engraved Tyrone Crystal trophy and a cheque for £500 which were presented to her by Cow & Gate Territory Manager, Alison Hanna.
The finals took place at Malone House in Belfast.
Karen was nominated for the award by Alison Finney from Broughshane, whose son, Stuart (20 mths), Karen takes care of and by Jane Taylor from Ballymoney whose two children Philip (11) and Hannah (7) Karen also looks after.
Alison says, “Karen cares for Stuart as if he were one of the family. She greets him each morning and will do anything necessary to ensure he is happy. Karen takes him to story-telling at the Library and the local ‘Mums and Tots’. There is a wide range of toys in her home and numerous organised activities. “
“As my children are now older they can tell me in detail about the excellent care they get from Karen Brown”, says Jane Taylor. “Her calm approach makes my children feel secure but confident. The time spent doing interesting crafts is enjoyed by both my seven-year-old and 11-year-old and this is typical of how Karen successfully relates to the variety of age groups that she cares for. As a parent, I am always informed of any concerns or issues relevant to my children. I have no hesitation in commending Karen as an outstanding childminder.”
Karen has been a childminder for two years having previously been an insurance adviser. “It was a big decision to give up that job”, she says “but I don’t regret it at all.” When her daughter Natasha was born and her son Adam was starting school she decided that she would like to look after them herself but still had need for a paying job. Childminding seemed the perfect answer. And so it turned out as she really enjoys her job and would recommend it to anyone. “But I would advise anyone starting up to get in touch with NICMA and join up”, she says. “They give childminders great support and I know that I just have to lift the phone to them if I have any queries or problems.”
Karen is now thoroughly involved in childminding and is currently having a purpose-built extension put onto the house which will be a playroom. The new area will comprise special reading, play and quiet areas, and she says if she is lucky enough to win the award, the prize money would go towards some extras and furnishings for the new project.
Karen is married to Richard and in her spare time she likes to go for walks with her children. She is also kept busy by doing many of the available training courses available to childminders.
|  | Contact Name: Kay Tombe
Contact Number: 028 9073 0883
Email: kay@duffyrafferty.com
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