The award programme, which is again supported by Prima Baby & Pregnancy magazine, is now in its fourth year and celebrates the best activities across the UK, as nominated and voted for by parents.
This year, the awards are bigger than ever, covering 13 different categories ranging from Best National Pre-Schooler Activity to Most Outstanding Community Group Volunteer for children.
What's On 4 founder Sam Willoughby, who herself received a business award this month, said: "We are very proud of all our winners and finalists who demonstrate excellence in their field as recognised by parents across the UK. I’m particularly humbled by the winners of our 3 community awards who represent all the unsung heroes giving their time willingly every week for children in their local area. I’d like to sincerely thank the thousands and thousands of parents who voted in the awards.”
The full list of 2010 awards with our winners and finalists:
Pre-School Age Awards
-Best National Baby & Toddler Development Activity (newborn to 2 years) sponsored by Konfidence Open to any class or activity for babies and/or that runs across most of the UK.
WINNER: Water Babies
“Superb lesson delivery and course structure and the best fun I have with my toddler all week.”
“Classes are consistently excellent.”
“It teaches an invaluable life skill, encourages physical activity, it's fun for baby and amazing for Mum's & Dad's to see how confident your baby can become.”
-Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity (2 to 5 years) Open to any class or activity for pre-school children that runs across most of the UK
WINNER: Monkey Music
“The classes are well thought out to stimulate, entertain and educate children.”
“The highlight of our week, we spend the other 6 days singing all the songs.”
“We have been going to these classes since my 2 year old was 4 months old. His concentration and listening skills are highly developed as a result of the high quality and structured teaching that he experiences. He maintains a rhythm and beat already which are key skills for his future learning. In fact we value the classes so much that as a part time teacher myself I arrange my working week so that we can continue with the same teacher!”
-Best Local Activity for the Under 5s
Open to any class or activity for babies and pre-school children that runs in a small part of the UK
WINNER: Tick Tock, Harpenden
“A fantastic mix of music, singing, sketches and is extremely well rehearsed and amusing for all”
“It is the highlight of the week for all the family...!”
“Consistently high quality, inspiring and entertaining music classes that my son and I LOVE!”
-Most Outstanding Committee Led Pre-School
Open to any committee led pre-school monitored by OFSTED set up as a registered charity
WINNER: Humpty Dumpty Pre-School, Surrey
“Great staff, great atmosphere = happy children! Very caring pre-school.”
“Both my children attended this Pre-school and I was amazed at the hard work and dedication by Staff and Parents on the Committee with all there fundraising activity's to keep the pre-school running from coffee mornings and christmas fayres. What a wonderful pre school this is and what a wonderful committee.”
-Most Outstanding Baby and Toddler Group sponsored by Halos N Horns Open to any local, community baby and toddler group run by volunteers and not for profit.
WINNER: Stepping Stones, Coventry
‘This is an AMAZING toddler group and I have never come across another one that compares. Debbie who runs the group is wonderful. The whole session is completely structured with carefully thought out themes each week. Debbie puts a huge amount of time and effort into planning themed activities for the group and everyone there is very friendly. We had to leave recently because my daughter started school, but Stepping Stones is the one thing we really miss about the pre-school years.”
-Most Outstanding Activity Leader for the Under 5s Open to any activity or class leader anywhere in the UK.
WINNER: Steph Harrison, Baby Sensory, Wirral
“Has the most energy of any individual I have seen run classes. She is cheerful, loves the babies, makes you feel welcome, and her bright nature ensures that all the babies love her.”
“She leads every class with so much passion and enthusiasm. Every class is different and we never do the same activity twice.”
“This lady gave us a springboard start to parenting that we would have been lost without.”
Primary School Age Awards
-Best National Activity for children aged 5 to 12 Open to any activity, group or class that runs across most of the UK
WINNER: Enjoy-a-Ball
“A fun, safe environment for children to play, interact, develop and learn skills which boost their co-ordination and confidence.”
“The focus is on teamwork and helping others whilst trying your best.
Each class is tailored for that group's capabilities.”
“This activity is a perfect introduction to all ball sports for young children. It encourages fitness and fun and is a great experience for the children.”
-Best Local Activity for children aged 5 to 12 Open to any activity, group or class that runs in a small part of the UK only.
WINNER: Seriously Fun Swimming Schools, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Surrey
“Fun, good value for money, friendly, well run lessons for kids. Children are well motivated with award schemes, and look forward to fabulous end of term parties as well.”
“Always supportive and helpful with advice and suggestions. Outstanding service.”
-Most Outstanding Activity Leader for children aged 5 to 12 Open to any activity or class leader anywhere in the UK.
WINNER: Gary & Sharon Bassett, Enjoy-a-Ball
“Fantastic with gentle and patient encouragement. The games and fun are the biggest inspiration for children and adults alike. Children love to listen for the next game and their attention is held with eager keenness.”
“Brings everything together and hones it subtly for the older audience.
They learn more specific sporting skills through clear explanation and demonstration, and balances individual attention with a very obvious understanding of group dynamics. Each child certainly feels special and capable – so important when many children can only be average at most activities. Quite simply outstanding.”
-Best After School or Breakfast Club
Open to any before school or after school club across the UK monitored by OFSTED/HMIE
WINNER: Brightsparks, Bristol
“The staff are the most accommodating people you could come across and all the children love them. They regularly do cooking, art and other group activities to involve all the children. Nothing is too much trouble for them. Without them I would not be able to work.”
Special Awards
-Best New Activity for children
Open to any activity, group, club or class anywhere in the UK that has been operating for less than 2 years
WINNER: Bopping Babies, Hampshire
“I believe that this is an excellent idea for under 5's locally, it is fun, healthy, and so well organised and professional. Brilliant and innovative, very worthy of this award in my opinion and many other mums locally.”
“Fantastic activity for young toddlers/pre-schoolers!!!! We all like to have a good dance!”
-Most Outstanding Community Group Volunteer for children Open to any volunteer working with a community group for children anywhere in the UK
WINNER: Lillian Brittain, Children & Carers Support Services
“Lillian is an amazing woman who has tirelessly supported foster carers and children with disabilities in the foster care system She set up a support group to meet those children and carers needs and has made a huge difference to peoples lives. She is caring, committed and enthusiastic. She overcomes many obstacles to ensure that the children have many experiences and opportunities that they might not get otherwise. The group is reliant on grants and donations and Lillian uses much of her free time to network and promote the children's needs. She is a carer herself and a wonderful inspiration to other carers too .She has been a foster carer for many, many years, yet still has fantastic energy and enthusiasm.”
-Children's Party Award
Best Children's Party Entertainment
Open to any individual or group offering party entertainment for children anywhere in the UK.
WINNER: Chris Wagstaff, Wacky Wheelers, Oxfordshire
“... a fun and lively birthday idea - and something different to the usual party themes. Great for both boys and girls and well organised.”
“I don’t think I've ever seen as much effort put into a party - and my daughter loved it.”
“My six year old had a fantastic day. The organisation was great and the kids all loved the afternoon driving jeeps and being entertained.”
