Caring for kids … Business women Caren Watts and Kellie Normington started working from their home and are now running a successful business. 59686 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Natalie Gallenti
From humble beginnings when the pair worked from home, Practical Outcomes, now based in Caroline Springs, has grown into a flourishing company that employs more than 20 staff and works hard to train people hoping to work in the early childhood sector.
Last year the thriving business won the Melton Business Excellence Award for Best Business and Professional Services and will nominate again this year.
The Melton Business Excellence Awards are supported by Star News Group and Business West Magazine and recognise the achievements of outstanding businesses from across Melton Shire.
Director Caren Watts said the consultancy company, which began five years ago, helped to increase the quality of care for children. She said the company put a huge emphasis on on-the-job training and all of its recruits had hands on experience before entering the workforce.
The business was established when Ms Watts and Ms Normington, both with backgrounds in teaching and nursing, had children and decided they wanted to do their part to improve the standard of training for budding childcare workers.
“Workplace based training is very important to us,” Ms Watts said.
“Our trainees work with trained staff and get one on one help.”
The company has just recently employed a professional cook to help increase the profile of cooking for children and the importance of good nutrition in early childhood to prevent obesity.
“We now deliver catering to childcare centres because we realise the importance of healthy eating for children and using the right food for children.”
Nominations for the Melton Business Excellence Awards close on 25 February and winners will be presented at a Presentation Gala at Witchmount Estate on Friday 29 April.
