Guests were welcomed with a refreshing drinks reception prior to being seated for a delicious Afternoon Tea; prepared and served by the hotel staff, during which the awards ceremony took place. The day closed with an entertaining and inspirational talk from Lynn Williams of TLC Training on behaviour management and learning techniques.
Congratulations to all our finalists and thank you to all that entered and were nominated. The judging panel found the standard to be exceptionally high and therefore the final decisions very difficult to make. You should all be very proud. You have proved, what we all know to be true...that our members set the bar when it comes to improving the lives of young children in Wales and in supporting their families.
Keep an eye out over the coming days & weeks for more in-depth reports and the official photographs taken by Life Out There photography But for now, however, we are delighted to announce the following winners and highly commended nominees of the 2019 Early Years Wales Awards:
This award recognises individuals who clearly demonstrate progression and excellence within the Early Years sector. This can include apprenticeships, childcare qualifications and Welsh language skills. This award is open to all staff including new starters.
WINNER: Rachel Cinderby from Cynfran Playgroup, Conwy
Highly Commended: Lucy McConnell from The Croft Playgroup, Flintshire
An outstanding individual who goes above and beyond to donate their time to the early years sector. They show a passion for childcare and volunteer their free time to make a difference, they could work within the setting or be a valued member of the committee.
WINNER: Claire Drake Brockman from Llandogo Playgroup, Monmouthshire
Highly Commended: Sylvia Parker from Ysgol Feithrin Conwy, Conwy
A setting or person who uses new or different ways of delivering early years childcare. This could include environmental or health and well-being initiatives, ways of linking with parents, external partners and/or the local community or a new way of enhancing a child’s opportunity to play, learn and thrive.
WINNER: Chuckles Day Nursery, Newport
Highly Commended: Marford Little Explorers, Wrexham
An outstanding staff member who is dedicated to their job role and is passionate about caring for children and encouraging them to play, learn and thrive. They show commitment to providing a high quality, safe and stimulating childcare environment, they put the child in the centre of all they do – going above and beyond their role. They are a good role model and mentor to other staff, they have excellent working relationships with staff, parents, external agencies and positive community links.
WINNER: Marion Lloyd Chambers from Borthyn Bunnies, Denbighshire
Highly Commended: Carly Barker from Tudno Playschool, Conwy.
A setting who is driven by their passion for supporting Early Years children and quality childcare. The main focus is to produce a safe, clean, stimulating environment where children are encouraged to play, learn and thrive. The setting holds their staff in the highest regard and has excellent links with parents, external partners and the local community. They have achieved or are working towards an Early Years Wales QfA award, external reports such as Estyn, Care Inspectorate of Wales (CIW) are of high standard.
WINNER: Abacus Day Nursery, Swansea
Highly Commended: Lullabyz Day Nursery, Newport