Nursery catering team are described as ‘best of the best’

The team from the Warwick Place nursery won the award after getting the highest number of parent nominations, support from colleagues and for what judges described as going “above and beyond”.

Emscote House is one of 46 day nurseries in the Childbase Partnership, which is the UK’s tenth largest employee-owned company.

Childbase Partnership chief executive officer Mike Thompson described the award winners as the ‘best of the best’ and trophies were presented by Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Pre-School Learning Alliance.

Amanda Cooper-Cocks, Patricia Keogh and Emma Gilbride – who have also received the ‘5-Star’ Environmental Health Organisation accreditation for excellence in food safety, preparation and kitchen standards – are passionate charity fund-raisers and regularly provide treats for Father’s and Mother’s Days, and traditional foods for multi-cultural festivals and themed events in the nursery.

Parents regularly order personalised birthday cakes from the team with proceeds going to charity, and despite catering for 88 children, the team are maintaining their commitment to all additional projects.

Head chef Amanda said she was honoured and thrilled as the award recognised the dedication of her team and the wonderful support of colleagues at Emscote House.

She said: “Winning the catering trophy means a great deal to me.

“It is also very humbling to think that so many parents have recognised, and appreciate, our work in providing their children with fresh and healthy meals each day.”

Emscote House manager Jo Wale described the team as worthy winners and praised them for the nutritious home-made meals in nursery and all the additional treats they provide for parents and children.