Carlisle teacher's positive reflection after Golden Apple Awards

On Thursday, October 13, Childcare manager Jude Coupland at Yewkids Nursery at Yewdale Community Centre, Carlisle wore a skirt with drawings done by pupils, to the Golden Apples award ceremony.

Jude Coupland (Image: Jude Coupland)

The ceremony was presented by Newsquest Cumbria to celebrate and recognise excellence in education and learning.

The idea of allowing pupils to decorate the outfit came to Jude when it was announced they were nominated  Nursery Provider of the Year.

With the freedom, the pupils drew a range of things including Superman and fireworks.

Although they did not come away with the award they still celebrated for being considered and public support.

“Although the win wasn’t ours we have genuinely had the most amazing journey and are so blessed to have people around us who think so highly of us," Jude said.

Jude Coupland (Image: Jude Coupland)

"Enormous congratulations must go to Anne and her team at Parkfield Nursery where Jude actually began her career in 2009 along with Yewkids and where her own four children attended, so we know firsthand they are worthy winners.

"It was a great night and the skirt received much attention and there were many compliments along with people asking to look at the illustrations drawn by the children.

"We’ve certainly felt the love and for us as practitioners that have been so positive and rewarding, with messages coming almost none stop for a couple of days before and after the awards from both current parents.

"It doesn’t really feel as if we lost out on something when we’ve had such an overall positive experience."

Now the awards are over, there are big plans for the skirt.

Jude adds: "The skirt is back in the nursery and now and ready to be turned into a canopy over one of the reading areas or beds.

"We wanted the children to continue to enjoy their work, which they are rightly so proud of.

"By doing this we can all remember the brilliant time we’ve had."