We are delighted to announce that we have won the Business Award at this year’s St David’s Awards.

Held virtually in March, the National Awards of Wales celebrated the exceptional achievements of people in Wales over 2020. An award nominated by the public, our staff were recognised for going above and beyond to provide childcare services during COVID-19.

We were one of only around 10% of childcare services that stayed open during the first coronavirus lockdown and provided care for 144 families in 6 of their 8 venues during that time to allow parents to go to work. We provided weekly activity packs for those children who stayed home with their parents and a book donation scheme was introduced and provided around 200 book bundles so that every child had access to reading resources.

As a company we worked alongside 7 local authorities to provide Emergency Childcare for Keyworker and Vulnerable families, we were so proud of our nursery teams who provided a sense of normality and consistency for these families, and we are grateful for this commitment to be recognised with this prestigious award.

In addition to this, we also provided Covid training for all employees and produced policies and procedures that have been used in other settings and Jenine, our owner worked as a nursery nurse to cover employee absence and to help ensure the sites stayed open. Jenine also proactively shared information and support to other childcare services who were nervous about reopening.

 

The First Minister, Mark Drakeford announced the winners at the Awards first ever virtual ceremony. Speaking at the event he said:

“This year’s St David Awards finalists are an inspiring group of people that we are lucky to have living and working in Wales. The past year has been incredibly challenging time.  The coronavirus pandemic has brought much sadness and heartbreak – but it has also brought out the best in many people. The winners tonight are just a small proportion of those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and are a true inspiration to us all.”

Jenine Gill, Managing Director  commented “We are absolutely over the moon to receive this Award. Our staff’s commitment and dedication in providing first class childcare even through the most challenging of times makes me so proud.” ”