We are thrilled to announce the winners of our recent 2024 Annual Awards, which honour outstanding individuals and groups who have made exceptional contributions to improving the lives of children and families across Jersey. The awards ceremony, hosted by Patrons His Excellency, Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd and Dr Karen Kyd at Government House, was a celebration of dedication, innovation, and community spirit in early childhood education and care.
Supporter of the Year Award
The All 4 Megan Crew has been named Supporter of the Year for their extraordinary resilience and determination in raising nearly £7,000 for JCCT initiatives, surpassing their original target of £5,000. This group of rowers, motivated by personal connections to the Trust’s work, braved intense training and challenging conditions to complete two races – Sark to Jersey and Jersey to Carteret – this summer. Their efforts will help more children like Megan who need our support to go to nursery.
Pictured: The All4Megan Crew, from L-R Peter, David, Aaron, Stephen, Carl, Alex and Joel.
Pirates and Princesses Award
Westmount Day Nursery has once again claimed the Pirates and Princesses Award, celebrating a decade of their support for our flagship fundraising campaign. This year marks their third consecutive win, cementing their dedication to raising funds and awareness for our mission. Since the campaign’s inception, it has raised over £15,000 to support early years settings, with Westmount consistently rallying their community to raise money to help more children.
Pictured: Deputy Nursery Manager Sarah and Nursery Manager Michelle
The Wilma Allan Award
The prestigious Wilma Allan Award, honouring recently qualified Early Years Practitioners or students who go “above and beyond,” was awarded to Bethany Patterson of Little Squirrel’s Nursery.
Bethany’s journey is a testament to dedication and perseverance. While working as an Early Years Practitioner, she completed her Level 3 Early Years Apprenticeship in just one year – an accomplishment made even more remarkable as she managed her studies alongside becoming a new mother. Bethany’s work was described as exemplary by her assessor, who called her physical activity plan “the best I’ve ever seen.” She is known for her professionalism, strong relationships with children and families, and her motivation to continually learn and grow.
Pictured: From L-R His Excellency, Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd CBE, Tracey Bunn, Manager of Little Squirrel’s Nursery, Wilma Allan Award Winner 2024, Beth Patterson and Award Sponsor, Gregor Allan
Tracey Bunn, Manager of Little Squirrel’s Nursery, shared that Bethany was “overwhelmed to have won the award,” and commended her outstanding commitment to her role and her studies.
The Wilma Allan Award was created in memory of a beloved JCCT team member, celebrating unassuming achievers who, like Wilma, consistently deliver excellence. The award includes a medal, a certificate, £500 for professional development, and £500 for nursery resources.
Tracey continues, “It’s such a lovely event, and I feel it is important to continue to highlight the essential role that the Jersey Child Care Trust plays in helping children and families in Jersey and the effect it has on those that use the Trust.”
The evening’s awards were presented by our Patrons, His Excellency, Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd, and Dr. Karen Kyd, who congratulated the winners and addresses guests after the ceremony, with His Excellency beginning:
“JCCT continues to deliver, punching above its weight and impact is what it’s all about. JCCT, thank you very much for all you do during this critical phase of life.” Dr Kyd continued, “We all know those first 1000 days change children’s lives. What you do in Jersey is give more children a better future and we can’t thank you enough”.
We extend our gratitude to Gregor Allan for his continued support of the Wilma Allan Award and to all individuals and organisations who make Jersey a better place for children and families.
