Our awards recognise the best activities and party entertainment for children across the UK! And our 4th annual awards are now concluded and we were delighted to announce our winners at the BabyExpo in Brighton on Sunday 27th June 2010 at our awards ceremony hosted by Phil Gallagher from Cbeebies Mister Maker. It was a thrilling event for all our finalists, sponsors and friends.
We've had over 2500 nominations and over 27,000 votes this year. We just thrilled by such an amazing response from you all!
Everyone of our winners and finalists should be extremely proud. The competition was very tough with groups and teachers nominated from across the UK.
We need to thank the many sponsors and partners that are making our 2010 awards possible. Without them they would not exist and we thank them sincerely for their generosity this year. Find out more about them by clicking on their logo scrolling above or reading our sponsors and partners information below.
We are delighted to announce that Konfidence isn supporting the What's On 4 Awards next year too and taking a much bigger role. Our What's On 4 2011 are in association with Konfidence and with their help and resources our 5th annual awards will be bigger than ever! Thank you Konfidence!
You've probably come across Konfidence swimming, beachwear and buoyancy products before as they supply Jojo Maman Bebe, Centre Parcs, Alton Towers, Neilson Holidays, First Choice Holidays, Mark Warner Holidays as well as many specialist high street and online retailers.
2010 Awards Categories Winners & Finalists
These are our What's On 4 2010 Award categories and our winners &our finalists.
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.
'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.'
'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!'
Most Outstanding Committee Led Pre-School
Open to any committee led pre-school monitored by OFSTED/HMIE set up as a registered charity. The winner will receive a selection of prizes.
WINNER: Humpty Dumpty Pre-School
'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. The winner will receive £500 from Halos N Horns to spend on new toys and equipment plus a selection of prizes.
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 activitiesfor 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.
'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.
FINALISTS:
Ali Beckman, Puddle Ducks, Cheshire
Rachel Farrow, Tick Tock, Harpenden
Jayne Harris, Monkey Music, Chelsea & Westminister
There were 46 nominees in this category!
Best National Activity for children aged 5 to 12
Open to any activity, group or class that runs across most of the UK
'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.
'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.'
'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.'"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.
Best New Activity for children
Open to any activity, group, club or class anywhere in the UK that has be 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!'
FINALIST: Baabaa Babies, Middlesex
Most Outstanding Community Group Volunteer for children Open to any volunteer working with a communty group for children anywhere in the UK. The winner will receive a selection of prizes.
WINNER: Lillian Brittain, Children & Carers Support Services, Nottingham
'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.'
Best Children's Party Entertainment
Open to any individual or group offering party entertainment for children anywhere in the UK.
Prima Baby & Pregnancy magazine, Britain's fastest growing pregnancy and baby magazine, is delighted support the What's On 4 Awards again.
Prima Baby is proud of its reputation as a campaigning magazine, championing the causes important to new parents and mums-to-be. We're committed to helping you find excellent products and services, from gorgeous maternity wear to advice on choosing essential baby equipment. We also understand the importance of meeting other parents, and making new friends who'll give you invaluable support - especially in the early days! The classes, groups and individuals that win these awards represent the best in their fields, and offer consistently excellent support, helping make your job as a parent less about pressure and more about having fun – and lots of it!
And don't forget – you can share your experiences with other mums on the message boards at www.Babyexpert.com. We'd love to hear from you!
Baby Expo Brighton Sunday June 27 2010, Brighton Racecourse and Conference Centre
BabyExpo is a Baby Show with a difference and a fabulous fun day out for all the familbaby-planners to parents and parents-to-be, young children and extended family members! Showcasing over 150 exhibitors for the pregnancy, birth, baby and toddler and early years markets (from pre-conception to primary).
BabyExpo welcomes visitors from Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey, Greater London and throughout the Southern Counties and the South East.
Halos N Horns – bath time essentials for soapy fun & bath time giggles
We’re delighted to sponsor the Most Outstanding Baby & Toddler Group award in the 2010 What’s On 4 Awards. All the hard working volunteers that run the thousands of baby & toddler groups run every week are doing a great job, and bring so much fun and laughter to children. These awards really do honour and applaud all of their hard work, and we wish all of you lots of luck in this year’s awards…mums, dads and kids get nominating and voting.
Wherever you are and whatever you’ve done, your mucky little monsters will probably need a bath with some good clean fun to round off the day …! Halos N Horns gorgeous fruity-smelling, brightly coloured shampoos and body washes are just what you need for splashing around in the bath, for lots of laughter and good clean fun for you and your little ones. Choose from Baby Bath, Zingy Orange Hair & Body Wash, Mango-Melon Mayhem Shampoo and Conditioner, and Berry Burst Shampoo & Detangler.
Toddlers will giggle at the fruity smells and bright colours, such as the green gooey gels. Parents will love the fact that many of the ingredients that might irritate their little ones’ skin have been removed, (such as SLS and parabens) making them really kind and gentle for delicate skin – and helping parents take good care of their little one’s skin.
Available in your local Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Ocado, Costco and at www.halosnhorns.co.uk
New Stork Times
New Stork Times is THE online baby massage resource – all the benefits of baby massage in the comfort of your own home – at your own pace.
Helen Pritchard is a qualified infant massage instructor with the Federation of Holistic Therapists and has taught numerous parent groups in the community and privately as well as working with local nurseries. Helen also has her own business specialising in holistic therapies for fertility, pregnancy, labour and beyond. As a mum of two she understands the concerns of modern parents and writes the blog for www.mumandworking.co.uk at www.helenpritchard.wordpress.com.
Parents who regularly massage their babies report improved sleep patterns, easing of digestive discomfort and colic symptoms, and an increased feeling of wellbeing and bonding with their babies. Simple and effective, and the most natural thing in the world – enjoy learning all the moves with Helen in your own home in your own way with our instant digital download or order the DVD in the normal way. All our valued customers receive unparalleled customer service included a lifetime of email support for any queries and access to our future live webinars and webchats with Helen herself. See www.newstorktimes.co.uk for further info.
New Stork Times is proud to support the What’s On 4 awards as it is the best awards voted by parents for parents and as a mum herself, Helen is both a user and a contributor to the sites.
Konfidence
Konfidence is the UK’s leading designer of high quality baby swimming, buoyancy and beachwear products. Famous for creating its bestselling buoyancy aid ‘the Original Konfidence Jacket’, the family owned company has expanded its range over the years to include specialised baby swimming products, which have all been developed in collaboration with swim school experts and parents. Most notable and popular is the Babywarma® Wetsuit, so called because it enables babies to stay warmer in the water for much longer than would be possible without it – keeping Baby and Mum much happier.
For further details on the full range of Konfidence’s products, including the new 2010 Learn to Swim Konfidence Jackets, Babywarma® Wetsuits, and ‘Baby’s First Swimming Packs’, visit www.konfidence.co.uk or call 01579 371000 to order a brochure.
mybabyradio.com
My Baby Radio is a DIGITAL online radio station that broadcasts to the UK and the rest of the world, aimed at new parents. You can tune in to the station via its website at www.mybabyradio.com
My Baby Radio is supporting the awards with regular updates and interviews with parents and the people behind the groups, clubs, classes and party entertainment.
My Baby Radio is a great station aimed at parents and has a huge variety of weekly programming all about raising your children. With advice from experts about sleep routines, feeding, health and much more. The shows also feature real mums and dads, a Childrens Hour and specialist music shows to unwind and relax to. Past interviews on the station include Dr Miriam Stoppard, Annabel Karmel, Dr Chris Steele, TV mum Tess Daly, proud grandmother and actress Nanette Newman and many more.
Magic Moments Direct Photography
MagicMomentsDirect brings a wonderful opportunity to mums who wish to have their own business and yet time for the family. With over 25 years experience, a great team, products and systems, we can show you the quicker way to succeed in the proven and profitable world of pre-school photography.
Don't forget, this a a business that runs in term time only and offers excellent repeat business year after year. Don't be put off that it will all be too technical! With easy to follow personal training, and endless ongoing help and support, we will ensure that when you go out to your customers you will do so with confidence.
So, what will you need? Apart from a very low joining fee, and the purchase of some equipment, the most important qualities you must have are a bubbly personality, empathy with young children and a real desire to build a successful local business.
Our 3 community award winners will receive a selection of prizes from the following worth over £200 in total. Thank you very much to these companies for donating these super prizes and supporting the thousands of community groups and volunteers across the UK.
'Superb lesson delivery and course structure and the best fun I have with my toddler all week.'.jpg){kind=small}
MagicMomentsDirect brings a wonderful opportunity to mums who wish to have their own business and yet time for the family. With over 25 years experience, a great team, products and systems, we can show you the quicker way to succeed in the proven and profitable world of pre-school photography. 
Prima Baby & Pregnancy magazine, Britain's fastest growing pregnancy and baby magazine, is delighted support the What's On 4 Awards again.
Prima Baby is proud of its reputation as a campaigning magazine, championing the causes important to new parents and mums-to-be. We're committed to helping you find excellent products and services, from gorgeous maternity wear to advice on choosing essential baby equipment. We also understand the importance of meeting other parents, and making new friends who'll give you invaluable support - especially in the early days! The classes, groups and individuals that win these awards represent the best in their fields, and offer consistently excellent support, helping make your job as a parent less about pressure and more about having fun – and lots of it!
baby-planners to parents and parents-to-be, young children and extended family members! Showcasing over 150 exhibitors for the pregnancy, birth, baby and toddler and early years markets (from pre-conception to primary).
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