Graduate grandmother is a ‘wonderful inspiration’ - The Worcester Observer

Graduate grandmother is a ‘wonderful inspiration’

Worcester Editorial 20th Oct, 2016   0

A GRANDMOTHER who has dedicated her life to improving early years education has been awarded a British Empire Medal before collecting her degree in Worcester.

Penny Webb, from Kidderminster, received the medal for services in early years education from the Lord Lieutenant for Worcestershire during a ceremony at The Guildhall on Thursday, October 13.

The 57-year-old, who is set to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace next year, started her degree in Integrated Working with Children and Families in 2006 and will graduate next month.

Nominated for her work in the field, Mrs Webb has more than 30 years experience as a childminder, is a foster carer and has four daughters and ten grandchildren.




She also set up support groups and ran training sessions for childminders in the area, she was also a Children Come First network coordinator for childminders in the county.

In 2012 she started the first petition against Government proposals to cut staff to child ratios in nursery and childminding places, leading to a national campaign that saw the plans dropped.


She said: “It was a complete surprise to receive a letter asking if I would accept a British Empire Medal.

“I have spent my life working with young children and volunteering with a number of organisations to raise standards in early years. It’s wonderful to have all that work recognised in this way.”

Karen Hanson, Head of Early Childhood at the University of Worcester, said: “We are all absolutely delighted for Penny and very proud of her.

“Her award is extremely well deserved as Penny has been a successful advocate for children, families and early years providers for many years. She is a wonderful inspiration to our current students and to those who think it’s too late to start studying in Higher Education.”

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