Norland marks 130th anniversary with a special Norlander award
13 December 2022
Norland – the world-famous specialist provider of early childhood training and higher education – marked 130 years of pioneering history with the presentation of a special anniversary award to one of its graduates.
The Emily Ward 130th Anniversary Special Commendation Award was presented to Norlander Maria Turrion Borrallo (Set 104) at a 130th reunion event of graduates at The Lansdowne Club in London.
The award signifies Maria’s embodiment of the Norland ethos and her dedication to its founding mottoes ‘Love Never Faileth’ and ‘Strength in Adversity’. This prestigious honour, which reflects Maria’s extensive and successful career as a Norlander, is a testament to her diligence and exemplary commitment to maintaining the very highest standards of professional early childhood education and care as epitomised in the Norland Code of Professional Responsibilities.
Maria commented that she felt deeply honoured to receive the award, which is named after Norland’s founder Emily Ward. She described her experience while training at Norland, then located at Denford Park in Berkshire, as a very special time.
Dr Janet Rose said: “We are honoured to present Maria with the Emily Ward 130th Anniversary Special Commendation Award. This unique and distinguished award represents Maria’s outstanding contribution to the nanny profession. It recognises how she exemplifies all that a Norland Nanny should be. Her consummate and dedicated professionalism for ensuring the best quality care is something we are very proud of at Norland.”
The Norland Nanny of the Year awards were also presented at the event. Nominations for the annual honour are sought from families employing Norlanders who believe that their nanny has shown outstanding dedication and professionalism in their work.
The Norland Nanny of the Year winners for 2021 (Georgie, Set 38), 2020 (Meg, Set 37) and 2019 (Lauren, Set 36) were presented with their awards. The reunion event was the first time the annual awards could be made in person due to COVID restrictions.
Norland Nanny of the Year for 2021, Georgie (Set 38), commented on how honoured she felt to be nominated by her employers. She said: “Children bring so much love and joy. I’m so privileged I’ve been chosen and trusted to care for and be a part of their lives. Nannying is my chosen career and I wouldn’t have been happier doing anything else. You really get back as much effort as you put in and I was certainly born to be a Norland Nanny.”
Twins Trust, with whom Norland partnered to set up the award-winning Family Crisis Support Service for families with multiples, presented the Strength in Adversity Award for the Norlander who has gone beyond the call of duty in their volunteer work for the charity. The award was presented to Gemma (Set 25) in recognition of the incredible dedication she has shown in her role as a Family Support Practitioner at Twins Trust.
Norland has partnered with Twins Trust for 10 years, supporting families who have found themselves in desperate need and crisis through the Family Crisis Support Service. During the past decade, thanks to the kindness of volunteer Norlanders, Twins Trust has helped improve the lives of hundreds of families.
“The Strength in Adversity Award from Twins Trust symbolises Gemma’s unwavering compassion for the families she supports,” said Dr Janet Rose. “We are thrilled that Norlanders volunteer so much of their free time to support vulnerable families. Gemma’s extensive work with Twins Trust has improved the everyday lives of so many families. Norland is proud to join with the charity in recognising her incredible work as a volunteer to help families in crisis.”
Helen Regan, the charity’s Co-Head of Family Services, said: “The difference Norlanders make is immeasurable. Families tell us how professional, knowledgeable and understanding they are with the help they give. The generosity of Norlanders and their devotion to families is something all of us at Twins Trust are truly grateful for. ‘Strength in Adversity’ is one of Norland’s founding mottos. To offer strength at a challenging time is absolutely lifesaving for a family.”
Helen added: “Gemma uses her skills and training from Norland to dramatically improve the everyday lives of families with multiples. She has gone above and beyond for more than 170 families, making sure they have what they need when their world has turned upside down overnight. We are often told just what a difference Gemma makes to the families she visits and she truly deserves this award.”
