Karridale educator collects ‘hat trick’ of awards

It is the third time Mrs Robinson has accepted the award, which aims to recognise the work of family daycare educators and the connections they build within their communities.

“I am so proud to have received this award for the third time,” she said.

“To know that my families had taken the time to nominate me meant so much.

“I feel so lucky to live and work where I do.

“Being able to involve children in our pristine environment, breathing the fresh air, walking in our forests, exploring nature and connecting to our land - is such a solid grounding to grow the love of learning inside each child.”

Mrs Robinson said the application process was detailed and involved reflection on her own practices at Blue-Belles. 

“It was at this point I felt so good about the service I provide, I didn't think I could get any prouder.... then the congratulatory email arrived!”

Family Day Care Australia Chief Executive Officer Andrew Paterson said the awards grew each year as Australians acknowledged the impact of quality educators and family daycare.

​“This is an opportunity to highlight the special contribution that educators like Belinda make to the lives of the children in their care,” Mr Paterson said.

 “To be named regional winner is a testament to not only Belinda’s dedication to providing quality early childhood education and care, but also to the relationship that Belinda has with the children in her care.”

When Mrs Robinson first decided to take the plunge and establish her family daycare facility in Karridale, for a moment it may have seemed like an odd choice.

“At first I thought that was crazy because my background was Project Management,” she said. 

“We moved here from Adelaide 9 years ago and my son attended a wonderful family day care in Augusta.  

“When the Karridale based family day care closed, someone suggested I should open one, I realised that if you put together how much I love children, how much I love creating a home and my love for administration, you get a pretty good candidate for a Family Day Care Educator!”

Ms Robinson said her biggest challenge has been educating the public on what family day care facilities are all about.

“We are a child care sector that operates under the same legislation and national quality framework as Child Care Centres,” she said.

“We are qualified educators who have police clearances, working with children checks, specialised senior first aid certificates and undertake regular training.”

Mrs Robinson said her love for her own children as well as the kids she cares for is something inherent in her nature and she aims to use that instinct to develop a nurturing environment for local children.

“Blue-Belles has an amazing daily programme which is based on childrens interests; gone are the days of making children sit still on a mat whilst you count from 1 to 10.

The centre caters to children from across the region and Ms Robinson said she owed much of her success to the support of those families from the area.

“I am so incredibly lucky to have and have had amazing families from Augusta, Karridale, Scott River, Witchcliffe, Margaret River and Cowaramup.

“Everyone is also very supportive of their children splashing in muddy puddles, playing in the sand and getting dirty!”

Mrs Robinson is now in the running to be named as a national finalist in the awards, unveiled on September 25.

For more info visit www.facebook.com/BlueBellesFamilyDayCare/