TOPS DAY Nurseries boss, Cheryl Hadland, was commended at the recent annual Nursery Management Today (NMT) Awards.

The Island entrepreneur had been shortlisted for a Lifetime Achievement Award for her 21 years of exceptional service to the Early Years sector.

Promoting excellence and recognition for all staff working in nurseries, the black tie celebratory ceremony on Friday November 26 was the UK nursery sector’s premier annual event and Cheryl was one of four finalists in her category to be invited out of 25 entries. Celebrity Ortis Deley announced Cheryl’s achievements.

In 2004 Cheryl was invited by Department for Education and Skills to Downing Street to celebrate education provision with Tony Blair, for her number of apprentices. She also attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace, invited for her contribution to the community.

Cheryl said: “I am thrilled to have been nominated for this award by my work colleagues. The last 25 years has been quite a journey! I think my success has been due to a dedication of enabling and encouraging every member of staff, including apprentices and volunteers, to become excellent, making the very most of their strengths and talents, thereby providing top quality provision to the children and families using day nurseries and care homes. I try to show that I care for, and appreciate each one, in the expectation that they will do the same for the clients in their care, and for each other.”