A NANNY from Chagford became the first recipient of a special award for the student who displayed the most outstanding qualities as a probationary nanny, at a prestigious ceremony last week.
Erica Roberts, 20, was among those graduating from Norland College in Bath at a ceremony at the Assembly Rooms which took place on Friday.
Erica, was born in Chagford and attended Chagford Primary School and Okehampton College. She is the daughter of Elaine Hedley, of Webber and Sons of Chagford.
Norland College is recognised worldwide as the leading college for the training of nannies.
From her class of more than 30, Erica was chosen to be the first recipient of the Sandra Soar Memorial Award for the most outstanding performance by a student during their probationary year. The award was a crystal bowl and a generous cheque donated by a family whose own Norland nanny was killed in a car crash last year.
Erica is employed as a nanny with a family in Battersea, London, where she looks after three children all under four years of age.
Erica, who was both delighted and amazed to receive this top award, said a good nanny must not only have a close bond with the children, but have the complete trust of the family for which she works.
All the graduates have undertaken a year-long probationary post in an early years setting, in order to gain the prestigious Norland diploma.
The students will now take up permanent employment as childcare nurses or nannies.