A CHILDCARE worker from Watford has been chosen as a finalist in the Excellence in Childcare Awards 2002.

Ms Emily Pressland, 23, who has worked for Lemarie Activities Club for the last three years, has been nominated as a finalist in the category Playworker of the Year.

Miss Pressland, who works with children with special needs, will attend the awards ceremony at the Tate Modern in London on Tuesday, June 25, where the winner of the title Playworker of the Year will be announced.

If Miss Pressland is successful she will win £1000 of jmc holiday vouchers with the other two finalists each receiving £500 of jmc holiday vouchers.

Miss Pressland, who lives in Tudor Walk, said: "I was really shocked when I found out. I knew my manager had entered me for the award but did not hear anything for ages so did not think anything had happened with it.

"I like my job because we work with a wide age range of children - from babies to nineteen year olds. There is something different to do every day. It is very rewarding."

This is the sixth year of the awards organised by Kids' Clubs Network, the national childcare charity, in association with Prima, Prima Baby and Nursery World.

To make their final decision the award judges came to the Lemarie Centre yesterday (Thursday) to watch, film and make notes about Miss Pressland as she took care of the children.

Ms Anne Longfield, chief executive of Kids' Clubs Network, said: "Emily is an exceptionally dedicated playworker and it's great to see professional childcare workers receiving recognition for their hard work. "

Miss Pressland said: "I don't really mind if I win the award or not. It is just really good to be nominated. I am not sure where I would go on holiday with the vouchers if I won. Possibly Canada because I have family there."

June 12, 2002 15:30