The Australian Institute of Sport Caretaker's Cottage Childcare Centre has been recognised with the inaugural ACT Children’s Services Award for Commitment to Innovative Practice.

The award was recognised by ACT Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, Ms Joy Burch, who visited the centre on 5 November.

The centre was recognised for establishing effective environments, and implementing a curriculum that is responsive to children’s needs, innovative in its use of technology, culturally specific and also linked to the new Early Years Learning Framework.

The service offers permanent care for children under school age. It is available to parents employed by the Australian Sports Commission and, where capacity allows, families in the wider community.

Director of the Caretaker’s Cottage Lisa Syrette was delighted to receive the award on behalf of the Centre’s team.

‘Our program is a unique blend that draws on the research and concepts from a variety of philosophies, curriculums and frameworks,’ Ms Syrette said.

‘We benefit from being a work based facility which allows us to arrange experiences where the children are able to play basketball, soccer, run on an indoor track, post letters and visit parents in their workplace.’

The centre and four staff members including Amy Tainsh (Trainee), Amy Wauchope (Advocate), Nui Barbetti (Program Support) and Jessica Waters (Children’s Services Assistant) were nominated in six categories of the awards.

Childcare Assistant Jessica Waters won the award for her child-centre programs and innovative practices.

Another staff member, Amy Wauchop, claimed an individual award in the advocate category. She was recognised for her advocacy of children and the children services sector, particularly in promoting their rights and inclusion.

‘The centre staff work tirelessly to provide a warm, caring environment for the children, and are truly innovative in their teaching,’ Ms Syrette said.

Caretaker’s Cottage was the highest achieving centre at the 2010 ACT Children’s Service Awards. The awards recognise and celebrate the hard work, professionalism and commitment of those working in the children’s services sector in the ACT.