Would you like to be a tester?
Each year, as part of the judging process for the Practical Pre-School Awards, more than 220 toys and equipment entries are tested in a number of nursery, playgroup, reception class and childminding settings throughout the country. The awards run in tandem with Child Care, a sister publication from Step Forward Publishing.
The testing panel are asked to test an entered product for three weeks in their setting and then imediately return their test report on the supplied form. The test reports are clear, with marks awarded for pre-determined criteria and a section at the back for comments.
In many cases entry samples are kept by each member of the testing panel as a thank you. In some cases - or for very expensive items – these may have to be returned. In these cases a collection service is organized so there are no expenses incurred by the setting. There is no payment for being a tester.
All types of equipment are involved in the testing - some things you would not perhaps use by your personal choice - but all are designed for the early years market. If you would like to be considered for the testing panel for 2008, please send a letter to the organisers, or an email to the address below. You will be asked to complete a detailed form and return this to qualify for a place.
All applications must be in by December 31 2007. The panel will be selected in January 2008. Being a tester requires some work and an ability to keep to a deadline. It is fun but you need to be organised.
You need to be prepared to comment candidly about equipment.
To be considered for a tester, apply before December 31 2007 to:
awards@practicalpreschool.com or write to: Gold awards testing panel: Evolution PR, The Abbey Centre, Market Square, Daventry NN11 4XG
