From Nursery Worker to Godmother
News release
12th September 2012
Every parent who puts their child into nursery hopes they will be treated like family by those taking care of them – and that has literally happened to one little girl after a carer bonded so well with her that she was made her godmother.
Amy Barwick, Room Leader at The Old Station Nursery’s Innsworth setting, was asked to become godmother to Maya Hodgson, two. Maya’s parents Lindsay and Paul Hodgson said they were so happy with the way Maya blossomed under Amy’s care that it felt “fitting” to ask her to take on the role.
“It was such an honour to be asked to be godmother to Maya, I was thrilled to say yes,” said Amy, 22, who is from Churchdown, near Innsworth and has worked at the nursery for just over two years. “I see Maya every day, five days a week, so it’s important for her to feel safe and secure as well as happy with me.
“I’m all for bonding with the families as well as the children and my relationship with Maya has developed from there. The other children in my care still get plenty of attention from me as well, but Maya will make an extra effort for a cuddle.
“She’s a lovely little girl and has bonded with a lot of the staff, but she and I have had a particular bond. Her parents saw that, and she also talks about me at home a lot, which I think swayed the decision. It’s times like this when you get asked to be godparent that you realise there is something special about caring for children. It makes you think this is what it’s all about.”
Maya, who turns three in October, started at the nursery when she was ten months old and was there full time five days a week. It was when she moved up to the Tots’ Room where two to three-year-olds are cared for that she began to bond with Amy.
Amy’s career in the childcare sector began seven years ago when she left school.
The christening took place at the start of September at Gloucester Cathedral.
From next week, Amy will have to keep in touch with her goddaughter via the Internet or over the phone as the family, which also includes sister Ixchel, six, is moving to Australia. The move is so Paul, a former Army Captain, can take on a role in the Australian Defence Force after retiring from the British military.
Amy added: “I have everything that I need to stay in touch with her – I am part of the family now and I want to see her grow up.”
Paul said: “We saw the bond between Maya and Amy and that they had become really close and that Amy gave her so much attention, so it was an easy decision to ask her to be godmother. There will always be a spare room for her if she ever wants to come and visit Maya and we’ll make sure we keep her updated on all Maya’s progress.”
Lindsay added: “The care Maya received through her whole time at The Old Station Nursery has been outstanding. The staff are just so genuine and caring and never once did we worry her needs wouldn’t be met.
“Amy in particular developed a really special bond with Maya that we couldn’t overlook.”
The Innsworth nursery can care for up to 64 children, and has some spaces still available. To find out more about the nursery, call 01452 739010.
Ends
Notes to editors:
- Managing Director of The Old Station Nursery Sarah Steel set up the first nursery in Faringdon, Oxfordshire, in 2002 when she left the army and was unable to find suitable childcare for her two children.
- Sarah Steel was awarded The Enterprising Women of the Year Award earlier this year. The award was given out by Enterprising Women magazine based in the United States: www.enterprisingwomen.com/EWofYearAwards.htm
- Visit www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk for more on the company.
Cerri Delaney
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
cerri@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @cerridelaney
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