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Childcare and play professionals from across Blaenau Gwent were recognised for their dedication, innovation and commitment to supporting children and families at the Blaenau Gwent Childcare and Play Awards, held at Llanhilleth Miners Institute on Friday evening.
Organised by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, the awards celebrated the vital contribution made by the childcare and play sector in helping children achieve the best possible start in life. The event recognised both outstanding individual achievements and excellence across early years settings.
Opening the ceremony, Ceri Bird, Service Manager Children, Young People and Families, paid tribute to the dedication of those working within the sector. She said:
"You create safe places where children feel valued, supported and inspired to learn. You build trusting relationships with families, often becoming a source of strength during both challenges and celebrations.
The impact of this work cannot always be measured in numbers, but it can be seen in every child who grows in confidence, every family that feels supported, and every opportunity created for a brighter future.”
The evening highlighted a wide range of achievements through the presentation of the following awards:
Award Winners
- A Commitment to Healthy & Sustainable Pre-Schools Award – Mrs Puddleducks Day Nursery
- Blaenau Gwent Language Star Award – Acorns Day Nursery
- Beyond Barriers Inclusion Champion Award – Pontygof Day Nursery
- Tiny Connections, Big Impact Award – Twinkle Tots
- Going Above and Beyond Award – Brynmawr Pre-School and Hannah Poole, The Butterfly Patch
- Roots in the Community Award – Pauline Paul, Childminder
- Turning Passion into Practice Award – Alona Jones, Mrs Puddleducks Day Nursery
- Ready, Set, Play Award – Bethany Paull, Play Volunteer
- Commitment to Continuous Development and Research Award – Buds to Blossoms
- Little Lives, Big Impact Award – Emily Johnson, Em's Miles of Smiles
The event also recognised the dedication and commitment of practitioners who have served children and families in Blaenau Gwent for more than 25 years.
Long Service Award Recipients
- Julie Hale – Tweenie Tots Playschool Limited
- Pauline Paul – Pauline Paul Childminding
- Shirley Phillips – Tiggywinkles Day Nursery
- Julie Davies – Tiggywinkles Day Nursery
- Dawn Vaughan – Puddleducks Day Nursery
- Christina Takel – Little Stars Day Nursery
Practitioners in attendance expressed their enjoyment of and their thanks for the celebrations, thanking the Childcare and Play team for recognising the importance of the work they do.
Peter Jones, Managing Director of Eden Nurseries, said the event ‘reminded me once again that childcare is at its very best when we work with one shared purpose – to give every child the very best start in life’.
Councillor Sue Edmunds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families, added:
"These awards recognise the exceptional commitment, care and professionalism demonstrated by childcare and play practitioners across Blaenau Gwent. Their work is fundamental to supporting our communities and ensuring children have the strongest possible foundations for lifelong learning and wellbeing."
Anyone interested in pursuing a rewarding career within the childcare and play sector, or seeking information about childcare and play services, is encouraged to contact the Family Support Hub at familysupporthub@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk.