Celebrating Excellence in Early Childhood Development
On 2 December, we gathered with principals and practitioners for our annual Excellence in ECD Awards, a celebration of the remarkable dedication shown by those shaping the foundation of our children’s futures.
This event honours the hard work, sacrifice, and passion that ECD practitioners pour into their classrooms every day. Their commitment ensures that young children are nurtured, supported, and prepared for school and for life.
Guest speaker, Mr Thandabanthu Ndamase from the Western Cape Education Department, reminded us that although the work of practitioners may not always be visible, its impact is profound. “You are not just caring for children; you are building destinies,” he said. He encouraged practitioners to continue showing up with excellence—because the rewards often come when least expected.
Our Managing Director, Judy-Marié, presented the 2025 ELOM 4–5 and Grade R results, celebrating the impressive progress compared to 2024. The improvements are a testament to the practitioners’ ongoing commitment to growth and quality early learning.
Awards were presented across a variety of categories, from Grade R Readiness and inspiring learning environments to principal and practitioner awards. While most categories were based on data collected throughout the year, we also introduced a new peer-voted category: the Leader Award.
See all award categories and their winners below.
KET Stamp of Approval: This facility has proven to increase the quality of learning in the ECD Sector through functional governance, tracked children’s progress and effective use of learning programmes in a safe and well-equipped learning environment.
Facilities that were awarded the Stamp of Approval in previous years and maintained their status:
- Happy Faces
- TLT
- Judah Square
- Isiseko
- Bubble Gummers Preschool & Nursery
- Noluthando Creche & Preschool
- Wonderland Educare
Awarded in 2025:
- Klanke Kalante Speelgroepie
- Knysna Speelskool
- Siyafunda Educare Centre
- Paula Whitney Creche
Grade R School Readiness Award: For excellence in developing school ready children.
- Klanke Kalante Speelgroepie
- Knysna Speelskool
- Siyafunda Educare Centre
Leader Award for exceptional leadership in supporting fellow principals, organizing meetings, and fostering a strong, collaborative ECD community dedicated to helping children thrive.
- Bettie Terblanche – Bubble Gummers Nursery & Preschool
- Gladys Thomas – IkamvaLethu Pre-school
Principal award for excellent administration, management, presence and guiding teachers.
- Nadia Kampher – Bitou Round Table Creche
- Anda Sangotsha – Kanyisa Daycare
- Nicollete and Nicolene – Little Steps Daycare & Preschool
Practitioner award for creating an exceptional learning environment.
- Cherry-Ann Janklaas – Born to Care Creche
- Lucille Gelant – Bubble Gummers Nursery & Preschool
- Elizabeth Petro – Klanke Kalante Speelgroepie
Journey of excellence award for exceptional progress.
- Vanessa Hufkie – Rainbow Kids Creche
- Requlle Williams – Carol’s Daycare
- Charmaine Majola – Little Butterflies
Most workshops attended.
- Nicolene Boukes – Little Steps Daycare & Preschool
- Luwando Kraai – Judah Square Educare
- Gloria Sisilama – Kanyisa Daycare
Feeding Scheme: for facilities going above and beyond to ensure that children receive proper nutrition.
- Phakamani Daycare
- Ethembeni Daycare
For using excellent and creative ways to involve parents in the learning process.
- Nadia Kampher – Bitou Round Table Creche
- Julie Ann Hoffmann – The Learning Tree Model Preschool
For embracing the Blocks for Growth teacher training and extending their learnings to benefit children beyond the groups.
- Janine November – Humpty Dumpty Creche & Pre-Primary
- Jaydine Jacobs – Jaydine’s Daycare
- Mercia van Rooyen – Gummy Bears Preschool
For facilitating improvement in children’s literacy and numeracy.
- Cherry-Ann Janklaas – Born to Care Creche
- Gladys Thomas – IkamvaLethu Pre-school
- Patiswa Mtwa – Wonderland Educare Centre