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Title: PORTRUSH CHILDMINDER, MAUREEN, WINS COW & GATE AWARD
Date: 14th December 2005
News Details:
Maureen Doherty from Portrush was chosen as the winner of the Cow & Gate Childminder of the Year 2005 as the awards finals held in Malone House on Tuesday November 22nd.
Maureen was nominated for the award by Nigel and Christine Dodds and by Elaine Mulholland all of Portrush. Maureen looks after Nigel and Christine's son Travis and Elaine's daughters Emma and Carrie.
"We nominated Maureen for Childminder of the Year as our son Travis has really enjoyed her company and has developed his confidence and creativity by playing and learning at the same time", says Nigel and Christine. "He is a happy boy and loves his time with Maureen and it is comforting to know he is content, safe and secure."
High praise indeed!
And Elaine is equally enthusiastic about Maureen: "Maureen has made the task of being a working mum a lot more manageable for me. She provides a homely environment for Emma and Carrie and she has a genuine affection for them. They are continually stimulated by Maureen in everything they do. They love being there which is a great thing."
Maureen has been a childminder for more than twenty years - first in Australia and now in Northern Ireland. In between, when she first returned home from Australia, Maureen worked in the local primary school as a caretaker/cleaner and a lunch-time supervisor but was encouraged by her eldest daughter to go back to childminding so she would be at home again. Maureen currently looks after three children and has minded 33 in total since she started.
At 50 years of age Maureen went back to college and got her NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Childcare and Education. "Having left school at 15 this was a big step for me", she says, "and I am proud that I was able to achieve it."
Maureen has three of her own children - daughters Cheryl and Michelle and son Jonathan - who are all grown up and working themselves - with Cheryl also being a registered Childminder.
Maureen has very specific advice for anyone thinking of going into childminding is: "Be aware it is more than a job. It is a partnership with parents whose children's lives you helping to shape. You need patience, stamina but above all a love for children. And join NICMA where you can receive training and advice."
Outside of childminding, Maureen main activities are having time with family and friends, entertaining and working with the young people from her church.
Maureen rates being a member of NICMA very highly. "Being a member of NICMA has been very valuable for me as it was through its funding that I was able to go back to colelge and get my NVQs. I can also attend their courses such as First Aid and Crafts. It is also good to know that if I need any advice they are only a phone call away."
Maureen intends putting some of the prize money into her grandchildren's trust fund, donating some to Bible College students who have financial problems and putting the rest towards a well-earned holiday.
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