Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs held our 4th annual Out of School Childcare Conference and Awards Ceremony on 12th March 2025which was streamed live on YouTube with over 1,000 views to date! We would like to thank our guest speakers by providing such informative, relevant and interesting information: Pip Dimmock – Chief Executive Officer, Interplay   and Sharon Eastlake, Head of Childcare and Play Policy and Legislation, Early Years, Childcare and Play Division, Welsh Government.

Ten awards were awarded, for which we received many worthy nominations, demonstrating the wonderful work going on in the sector to make a positive difference to children, families and communities. Congratulations to all the nominated Playworkers, Volunteers, Managers, Committees and Clubs across Wales and the winners. It really is a privilege to support you and your clubs.

Our Winners of the Out of School Childcare Awards 2025

Celebrating the Winners of The Out of School Childcare Awards 2025

Welsh Language Champion: Two Tribes After School Club, Monmouthshire

An Out of School Childcare Club that has championed the Welsh Language and striven to improve the level of Welsh Language incorporated into the Setting, and  support their own learning or the learning of others.

“This is a well-run, successful service, registered with CIW since July 2014. The service is situated approximately 1.5miles from the Prince of Wales Bridge in a primarily English-speaking area. The club has been fully engaged with Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs for many years, staff have always recognised the importance of incorporating Welsh into the setting and had already started integrating some Welsh within the daily routine, even before undertaking the Camau course. I have always been captivated by the enthusiasm and dedication of leadership and staff towards encouraging the use of Welsh within the setting. All staff greet parents every day with a ‘prynhawn da’ and using the Welsh they have. This has resulted in very positive feedback from many parents and guardians regarding their use of the Welsh language, with Welsh speaking guardians commending their efforts and some English medium parents now responding to their greetings in Welsh too. This club has updated their latest SASS to say that they are actively working towards the Active Offer with staff eager to continue their great work and commitment towards the Welsh language and the Active Offer.”​

Supporting Staff Wellbeing: Plantos Nursery, Cardiff​

A Manager, Owner, Play Leader or Committee that has striven to support the mental health and wellbeing of their staff, to create a healthy, positive work environment.

The welfare of children and staff is on the agenda of every meeting within the nursery. The owner shares information monthly about different topics to help with mental health. The three managers are Mental Health First aiders. We deliver a welfare calendar to all members of staff monthly and also direct them to helpline numbers. There is a self-help box in the staff room and bulletins on the wall. A survey is also delivered twice a year to see how we as a nursery deal with the welfare of our staff. We have nights out, takeaways, treats for the staff and gifts at Christmas. We also give certificates given for work attendance. Wellbeing is also a point on our quarterly staffing 121 reviews.

Volunteer of the Year: Menna Machreth, Clwb Plant Segontiwm, Gwynedd​

A volunteer who has worked hard and invested their own time to support their local Out of School Childcare Club and community.

Menna has been a god send to our club.  Helping to support the development of the club going through the tendering process as well as supporting and being an active member of the committee.  Menna has been the secretary of the committee for just under 2 years so far and even though she works daily and has  a family at home she has given us so much support and her time to help bring the club forward.  Menna has been able to use her professional experience working with Mudiad Meithrin to help support us with policies and procedures  as well other administrative things.  Menna has supported our staff doing their qualifications and has let the staff shadow her work with the mudiad in support of their ongoing professional development.  We thank Menna for tirelessly working to support our club. ​

Learner of the Year: Caroline Jasmine Williams, Gofal Plantos Prysur Childcare, Carmarthenshire​

A learner who has worked hard to achieve or make progress towards a qualification with Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs. This may have involved supporting peers, participating well in sessions, making the most of the learning experience, or overcoming challenges with passion and determination.

I have nominated Jasmine as she had the opportunity previously to complete her Playwork training during a previous employment but was unable to due to various reasons. I’d like to show her my gratitude as she has shown determination to complete workbooks relating to her course as well as putting the theory into practice. Jasmine has also donated her own free time to support another one of our settings. It’s also clear to see that the children in her care enjoy her company from playing a game of guess who, to running around outdoors, they like to invite her into their play.

Play Champion: Clwb Gogerddan, Ceredigion​

​ An Out of School Childcare Club that has championed children’s right to play and striven to provide high quality play opportunities for the children in their care.

Play is at the heart of everything they do at Clwb Gogerddan. They have recently developed their own Play-a-gogy Lead. Staff are the most valued assets of Gogerddan Childcare and they identify staff interest and skills to develop skills with the children. They’ve developed a gardening club, cooking skills, have Forest School Leaders who ensure that children have every opportunity to play outside whatever the weather. They recently utilised the Welsh Government Small Capital Grants Scheme to develop an outside play space on the grounds of Ysgol Rhydypennau where Clwb Gogerddan run. This has not only been so beneficial to Clwb but also the School and Cylch Meithrin Rhydypennau are also able to access the outside space. CIW report highlights: People who run the setting offer a friendly and welcoming environment. They provide excellent spaces for children to play and socialise with each other and where they have the freedom to move around independently and safely. People who run the setting and staff prepare the play spaces carefully to allow children to have the best possible experiences.​

Playworker of the Year: Leanne Stephens, Two Tribes After School Club, Monmouthshire​

A Playworker who embodies the Playwork Principles and has gone above and beyond to provide an excellent service for children, parents/carers and the local community.

“Leanne is a highly valued member of the team and goes above and beyond to ensure that the children at the club are happy, engaged, entertained and feel safe. She has been the driving force behind us being awarded our Silver Welsh Promise Award! She supports the management team and the rest of the team in our continued commitment to promoting our National language at the club. She has independently developed a Dysgu Cymraeg folder where key words/phrases can be found to support the children and Play workers. She organises fun sessions and games with the children to promote Welsh through play. She is very deserving of this award and we thank her for her dedication, commitment and support.”​

Commitment to Continuing Professional Development: Bridging the Gap, Merthyr Tydfil​

An Out of School Childcare Club that is committed to encouraging and supporting its staff to attend training and workshops to enhance their professional development, in order to support a quality childcare provision to be offered to the local community.

Bridging the Gap is a fully inclusive After School & Holiday Club for children 3-19 years with additional needs. Since taking over as manager of the setting, Lisa has made an impressive effort to develop her learning and understanding of the Play sector whilst working towards her CIW registration. Despite having experience in the field, she is keen to progress and keep her knowledge up to date. Lisa has attended numerous Clwb Hwbs alongside working on our Out of School Childcare Assessment (OSCA), Safeguarding Health check and Anti-Racism Toolkit. Her effort has been a great example to staff, encouraging them to also attend CPD training.

Promoting Positive Diversity​: TEMPS Out of School Club, Wrexham​

An Out of School Club which has focused on creating an enriched culture where all employees, children and families can flourish and celebrate their diversity and differences within an inclusive ethos.

I am pleased to nominate TEMPS, for this award in recognition of their exceptional commitment to diversity and inclusion. The organisation has employed a lady from Ukraine, providing her with invaluable support as she settles into the local community. The Trustees and Staff at TEMPS have gone above and beyond to assist her in finding local accommodation for herself and her two children. They have also played an instrumental role in setting up her home by donating essential items, ensuring that she and her family feel welcomed and supported. Recognising her need for language skills development and in-line with the Government requirements for her working visa and permission to stay in the UK, she attends English lessons at the local College and a member of the Club’s staff provides practical assistance by looking after her children. To further support her, the committee has arranged a free place for one of her children at the club, enabling them to benefit from continuity of care and enjoy a safe, inclusive environment alongside their peers. This thoughtful and collaborative approach demonstrates the club’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive atmosphere for all families, regardless of their background and are a great example of how a community-focused organisation can make a profound difference in the lives of individuals and families, creating a truly inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. ​

Champions of Inclusion: Dylan’s Den, Rhondda Cynon Taf​

An Out of School Childcare Club that works hard to provide inclusive, quality provision and to welcome and support accessibility for all children, staff and families.

Dylan’s Den has gone above and beyond to help children from all walks of life. The children learn about different cultures, different abilities of children, and how to support each other. All staff are trained in ALN, equality and diversity, and equal opportunities. Dylan’s Den are proud of our staff who work their hardest to make Dylan’s Den is fully inclusive quality provision. ​

Out of School Club of the Year: Clwb Gogerddan, Ceredigion​

​A Setting that embodies the Playwork Principles and that is an excellent example of the benefit of quality play and childcare for children, families and communities.

“Clwb Gogerddan identifies its most valuable resource is the staff. The Manager ensures that every member of the team are valued within the service. They have an opportunity to celebrate and share achievements together. They have events to support wellbeing for the staff from Yoga to outings, fundraising etc. An annual staff awards service is held where parents are asked to provide feedback for the event. The last CIW inspection report for Clwb Gogerddan highlighted how children enjoy making decisions as they take part in activities. There is a very happy feel to each area of the setting, and it is clear that the children feel safe and content. Staff said the setting is a very happy place to work and that they work well together as a team. Staff commented they feel valued and are well supported by the management team, enabling them to fulfil their roles and responsibilities effectively and confidently. Staff described their leaders as approachable, supportive and kind and this was further evidenced in written feedback which was shared during their annual staff award celebration. Ensuring the wellbeing of the staff and children who attend are key to the success of this setting as they strive to ensure the best service possible for all involved.”​

Roll of Playworker graduates 2024 (January – December) and Welsh Learning Achievers

We would also like to celebrate our Playworker graduates 2024 (January – December) and Welsh Learning achievers. During the year, we saw an amazing number of Playworkers engaging in training with us and subsequently flourish in their roles, with learners making meaningful changes to their practice and benefitting children across Wales.

It’s not too late to watch The Out of School Childcare Conference and Awards!

Click this link to watch on Youtube now