DAVE and Trayc Bignall can t believe the way their lives have been transformed since they became childminders. We re no longer stressed, we love what we do and we see much more of our own four children, said Trayc. The couple work together at their Stev

DAVE and Trayc Bignall can't believe the way their lives have been transformed since they became childminders.

"We're no longer stressed, we love what we do and we see much more of our own four children," said Trayc.

The couple work together at their Stevenage home and have been presented with a Hertfordshire Quality Standards award in recognition of the quality of childcare they provide.

"I used to own a recruitment agency and Dave worked in a traffic office and we decided we needed a change of direction after our children said they didn't see enough of us," she said.

"We really enjoy being childminders and getting the award is a reflection of the hard work we've put in. You get out of it what you put in."

It was a record breaking presentation evening with the highest number of award winners since the Hertfordshire Quality Standards scheme was set up in 1999 to reward individuals and organisations providing excellent childcare or early years education.

Almost 600 childminders, pre schools, playgroups, day nurseries, school reception classes and out of school clubs have gained the award since 1999 - and 22 of the latest winners have been reaccredited for the second time.

The teddy with the Hertfordshire Quality Standards logo also has pride of place in the reception class at Samuel Lucas JMI School in Hitchin.

"It was presented to us at the awards and shows the children that they were definitely part of it and they deserve the praise as well," said reception teacher Claire Murray.

"We're delighted to have achieved the Herts Quality Standard. It's been quite a lot of hard work but it's been a team effort with our two classroom assistants, and we have very supportive parents."

Samuel Lucas School and the Bignalls are among 80 providers of early years care and education who were presented with awards last week.