A NURSERY teacher is celebrating after scooping a top national award.

Katie Walmsley from Greenview Nursery in Blackburn was named Early Years Teacher of the Year at the Nursery World UK awards, which celebrates the best of the best in nursery practice.

Mrs Walmsley, 37, bought the nursery, which is based in the Greenfield Community Centre, with her friend Michelle Britch in 2014 when their children were youngsters.

The pair, known as the Poppins Family, also own Little Sparks in Clayton-le-Moors - both of which have been graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Judges praised Mrs Walmsley for her passion, ability to lead a team and implement radical changes to support children’s progress.

They highlighted her approach to behaviour management and to helping vulnerable children.

She was also praised for her extensive knowledge, for introducing parent workshops to support work in phonics and maths as well as her management skills.

Mrs Walmsley used to work in financial services but retrained as an early years teacher at Edge Hill University.

The mum-of-one said: “The award has my name on it but Michelle too deserves the credit as she was my mentor through my qualification as an early years teacher and we have implemented a lot of outstanding practice.

“To be nominated by Michelle was really special and I was so proud when they announced that I had won.

“I know I was really lucky growing up. My parents worked hard to give me a fantastic education and I wanted to make sure other children have that opportunity.

“Some children do not always get the best start in life and I want to make sure they have access to the best teaching.

“It is important that all the staff have the highest qualifications so that the teaching and learning is of the best quality.

“We feel like we are more than a nursery and are part of their family for the time they are with us.

“It makes us so happy when we send them off ready for school.”

Patricia Burgess, programme lead for early years teaching at Edge Hill University, said: “She is utterly committed to the sector and continually strives to deepen her knowledge and understanding of child development, which she disseminates to colleagues.

“She is passionate about her job and this is infectious. She is hard-working, dedicated and an inspiration.”