The glamorous event was hosted by TV and Radio Star, Neil Fox, and attended by a wealth of VIPs in central London. Organised by national children’s charity, 4Children, the awards honour the unsung heroes who work day in, day out to improve the lives of children and young people.

The Children’s Stars Award 2008 Winners are:

— Edexcel Playworker of the Year
Gary Forbes, Ealing Play Service (London)

— Early Years Practitioner of the Year
Carol Hines (Peterborough)

— Childminder of the Year
Tracey Mills (Staines)

— Newcomer of the Year (joint winners)
Gerry Garvey (Carlisle)
Michelle Cotterill (Long Eaton)

— Integrated Children’s Team of the Year
Riversley Park Children’s Centre (Nuneaton, Warwickshire)

— TDA Extended School Team of the Year
Marion Richardson Extended School Team (Stepney, London)

— Working Links Children Centre Team of the Year
Sure Start Scarborough – The Parent Network Volunteers (Scarborough)

— Morton Michel Childcare Team of the Year
Parents as Partners in Early Learning Team (Tower Hamlets, London)

— Make Space Youth Team of the Year
Gateshead Young Women’s Outreach Project (Gateshead, Tyne and Wear)

— CWDC Lifetime Achievement Award
Dame Gillian Pugh

— Young Achiever of the Year Award
Richard Ludbrook (Milton Keynes)

The national awards scheme is run annually by national children’s charity, 4Children, and is supported by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Anne Longfield OBE, Chief Executive of 4Children, said:
“No job is more important than looking after our children. The winners of the Children’s Stars Awards have achieved something truly remarkable and deserve to be recognised and celebrated.”

TV and Radio Star, Neil Fox, said:
“The Children’s Stars Awards are a great opportunity to say a big thank you to all those who look after our children and bring fun inspiration into their lives. Well done to all children’s workers and especially the winners whose passion and commitment has opened new opportunities and made a real difference to children’s lives.”

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Notes to the Editor

Images and interview with award winners are available on request. Contact Julie Watkins on 020 7522 6928 / julie.watkins@4Children.org.uk

For further information on Shout Out 4Children Week or any of the week’s events and activities, please contact Julie Watkins on 020 7522 6928 / julie.watkins@4Children.org.uk or visit www.4Children.org.uk/shoutout

Shout Out 4Children Week is part of Celebrating childcare, supporting families, June 2008. Organised by the five national childcare charities and supported by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the aim of Celebrating childcare, supporting families is to showcase the benefits of childcare for children and families and to celebrate the invaluable work carried out by childcare workers in looking after the UK’s children and young people. See www.4Children.org.uk/June2008

Shout Out 4Children Week 2008 also features:

My Shout Out! National Children’s Survey
The launch of the results of 4Children’s annual My Shout Out! survey. Over 1,000 children and young people aged 4–14 across England took part, providing an annual exploration into the next generation’s feelings and attitudes towards a wide range of social issues. The focus ranges from how children spend their free time to their thoughts on child poverty and making a positive contribution to society.

Parliamentary Children’s Question Time
The annual event that puts politician in the hot seat! Leading MPs and politicians came face to face with an audience of children to respond to burning questions children chose to ask at Children’s Question Time which took place on 24 June in Westminster at a House of Commons venue.

4Children’s Annual Summer Reception
4Children’s Annual Summer Reception brought together leading politicians, public and third sector organisations, children’s workers, children and young people to celebrate gains for children in the last year and look ahead to the priorities and challenges to come. Children attending the event shared experiences from their own childhoods, providing a spotlight on growing up in the UK today. The event took place on 25 June in Westminster with the Rt. Hon Beverley Hughes in attendance.

4Children
4Children is the national charity dedicated to creating opportunities and building futures for all children. It aspires to ensure that all children, young people and families have access to a creative, safe and child focused environment, and activities. 4Children provides an Information Helpline for parents and childcare professionals with advice and support on all aspects of childcare, including details of out of school clubs in your area. For more information call 020 7512 2100 or visit www.4Children.org.uk

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