A Liverpool Hope University graduate has been named Early Childhood Graduate of the Year at the 2024 Nursery World Awards.
Dearbhail Maguire fought off competition from hundreds of other entrants from across the UK to win the prestigious award, which recognises the graduate who has demonstrated exemplary practice in their field, providing the best possible service for young children and their families.
Hosted annually, the Nursery World Awards shine a spotlight on the inspirational work taking place in childcare and education. Nominations are open to anyone working in the sector, with the winners selected by a distinguished panel of expert judges representing a diverse range of disciplines.
Dearbhail graduated from Liverpool Hope with a First in the summer of 2024. She has since secured a role as an early years development worker at Outerwest SureStart in Belfast and was recognised by the judging panel as a 'truly inspirational graduate'.
Jane Brie, Senior Professional Tutor in Early Childhood, said: “This award is thoroughly deserved and everyone in the Early Childhood team is immensely proud of Dearbhail's achievements.
“Achieving the Graduate Practitioner Competencies (GPCs) professional qualification in addition to her honours degree demonstrates Dearbhail's commitment and high levels of academic, personal and professional skills and attributes.
“She has a successful career ahead of her in the early childhood sector, making a positive impact on the lives of young children and their families.”
In her role at Outerwest SureStart, Dearbhail is responsible for giving information, advice, training and support to early years providers, parents and carers on play and the early year’s development of children in areas of high social deprivation which were also highly impacted during The Troubles.
This builds on the experience she gained during her studies at Granby Children’s Centre in Toxteth, where she facilitated language and communication support for parents and children, including those with special educational needs and newcomers to Liverpool.
Judges were ‘blown away’ by Dearbhail’s nomination, saying: “Dearbhail also communicates adeptly with parents and is able to establish a great rapport and trust, immediately putting them at ease.
“In this way, she is a total inspiration to children, parents and colleagues, and an asset to the workplace.”