Vote for your BEST kids activity!

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Online voting is now open for a national award scheme that celebrates the best activities for young children in the UK.

The 2009 What’s On 4 Little Ones Awards, sponsored by Organix Savoury Pots for Babies On The Move, are now in their third year.

From now until April 30th 2009, parents can log onto the award-winning web directory at www.whatson4littleones.co.uk to vote for their favourite activities for under-fives.

The awards are divided into three categories: national, for activities that are available in more than one area of the UK.

Community, for activities that are based in one area of the UK, and a set of special awards.

Parents can vote online for the national awards. The other awards will be decided by a panel of three judges: Sam Willoughby owner of the website; Patricia Carswell, parenting journalist and founder of Coaching for Mothers; and Roberta Jerram, founder of Giant Potential Women in Business Network. Organix will judge the Food Hero award, which will be given to an individual who does their best to make sure children attending their activity eat the healthiest food possible.

The results of the awards will all be announced live on air on our very own radio station (My Baby Radio) on Tuesday June 9th from 2pm till 5pm during the Parent Show. And the community award winners will each receive £200 of products from Mini IQ, who produce fun, educational books, toys and games.

Every pre-school activity in the UK has the chance to be nominated and voted for, making the awards a true representation of how parents feel towards what is on offer for their little ones. There have already been more than 1,500 nominations for the awards. Last year’s awards saw more than 400 nominations and over 3,600 votes cast, from across the UK.

What’s On 4 Little Ones co-founder Sam Willoughby said: “I’m so excited about our 2009 Awards! I can’t wait to receive the nominations as it’s a privilege to read how the groups help parents.”

Sam, who was named Business Parent of the Year in 2007, added: “I also know how much the teachers and organisers value being nominated, they put a lot of heart and soul into their activities so it’s such a great way for us all to say thank you.”

Anna Rosier, MD of Organix, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring these great awards for the third year running. There are so many unsung heroes out there, working hard to help children get the best start in life - this is a fantastic way to reward them!

“At Organix we work very hard to create great quality food for little ones on the move, while What’s On 4 Little Ones is a one-stop shop for parents who want fabulous activities for their children - it’s a perfect combination and these awards are very important to us.”

Ian Sharland, director of Baby Sensory, said: “We were all delighted when Baby Sensory was announced as the winner of the Best Baby Development Class category in the 2008 What’s On 4 Little Ones Awards, we were even more thrilled to be commended in two other categories.

“The recognition by this leading baby activity website and their sponsors Organix was a boost to our company and to the team who run our classes throughout the UK. “

The full list of available awards this year is:

NATIONAL AWARDS

Best National Baby Development Activity

Best National Toddler Development Activity

Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity

COMMUNITY AWARDS

Best Local Activity

The winners of the following 3 awards each win £200 of Mini IQ products

Most Outstanding Committee Lead Pre-School

Most Outstanding Baby and Toddler Group

Most Outstanding Community Group Volunteer

SPECIAL AWARDS

Best New Activity This award is for any activity that has been running less than 2 years.

Most Outstanding Activity Leader

Organix Food Hero Award This award is for an individual who goes the extra mile to provide children with healthy, appetising food.

So, go on - get voting now at  www.whatson4littleones.co.uk