Welsh Language Champion: Clwb Plant Llandegfan Kids Club, Anglesey 

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.

“Clwb Plant Llandegfan is an Out of School Childcare Club that has demonstrated a sustained and outstanding commitment to championing the Welsh language and continuously improving its use within the setting. The service operates from a room within Llandegfan Primary School and provides care for children aged 4–12 years, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment where Welsh is central to everyday practice.  Since May 2023, the setting has worked closely with Elliw Pierce to develop and strengthen its Welsh language provision as part of a structured language journey. In January 2024, Elliw and Patricia Roberts (Person in Charge) collaborated extensively to support the setting in progressing through the Silver Welsh Promise. This work focused on developing staff confidence, increasing the natural use of Welsh, and embedding the language more consistently across daily routines, play, and interactions with children.  A significant milestone was reached in September 2024, when Clwb Plant Llandegfan informed Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) that the service was operating through the medium of Welsh. This reflected a clear and intentional shift in the setting’s operational language and demonstrated a strong commitment to bilingual and Welsh-medium provision.  The setting’s dedication continued to progress, with Patricia Roberts and her team working diligently through the Bronze, Silver, and ultimately Gold Welsh Promise accreditation pathway. This achievement, awarded in February 2026, recognises the sustained effort of the whole team in embedding Welsh language and culture at the heart of the setting.  Staff have further supported this journey by engaging in the Camau Welsh language learning programme, enhancing their skills, confidence, and ability to use Welsh effectively with children. This commitment to ongoing professional development has had a direct and positive impact on the quality and consistency of Welsh language provision.  Overall, Clwb Plant Llandegfan exemplifies a setting that has actively championed the Welsh language, improved its use across all aspects of practice, and supported both staff and children in developing their language skills, making it a highly deserving nominee for this award.”

Supporting Staff Wellbeing: Cylch Meithrin Y Gyrnos ASC, Merthyr Tydil

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.

Working at Cylch Meithrin and After School Club Y Gurnos has completely changed my understanding of what a truly supportive workplace should feel like. Our Manager, Myfanwy, has created an environment where staff wellbeing is not just spoken about, it is genuinely prioritised every single day. Because of this, our whole team feels valued, respected, supported and motivated to give the very best to the children and families we care for. One of the things that makes her leadership so special is the way she understands people individually. She uses a strength-based approach with all staff, helping each person recognise what they do well and building confidence around those strengths. Rather than expecting everyone to fit into the same mold or complete tasks they may feel anxious or less confident about, she delegates responsibilities thoughtfully, allowing staff to thrive in areas where they feel capable, creative and successful. This has created a team where everyone feels useful, empowered and proud of their contribution. Being a Welsh-medium setting, we use the immersion method with the children every day. However, for some of us, before starting here we had not used Welsh since leaving school, which initially felt quite daunting. Myfanwy has always been incredibly supportive and never puts anybody under pressure or makes anyone feel embarrassed for getting things wrong. Instead, she has created an environment where learning together is enjoyable and confidence grows naturally. We often laugh together at the “Wenglish” words and phrases we accidentally come out with, and those moments have brought us even closer as a team. Last year (2025), Myfanwy won the Social Care Wales Caring in Welsh Award, and I can honestly say I have never met somebody who cares more, not just about the children and protecting the Welsh language, but about us as staff and as people too. Mental health and emotional wellbeing are always at the forefront of her practice. We are currently piloting the “Do Be Mindful” programme, and Myfanwy has paid staff overtime to complete the training so that nobody feels additional pressure trying to fit it around their already busy lives. This simple act showed staff that our wellbeing matters just as much as professional development. She has also introduced initiatives such as the “Lifeline” and “Coffee Call” system, which allows staff to step away briefly if they are feeling overwhelmed and need time to regulate emotionally. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: if staff are not okay, we cannot be the best we can for our children. She not only reminds us of this but actively creates a culture where nobody feels guilty for needing support. Another example of the positive culture she has created is our “Pots of Joy” initiative. All staff are encouraged to write notes of positivity, encouragement and appreciation for one another, placing them into both personal jars and team jars. We regularly read these together to celebrate each other’s achievements, kindness and strengths. It has become such a meaningful part of our setting and helps ensure everyone feels seen, valued and uplifted, especially during difficult days. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is also prominently displayed within the setting as a daily reminder that if our own basic needs are not met, we cannot reach our full potential or properly support the children in our care. It perfectly reflects the ethos she promotes every day, that staff wellbeing matters. We all love a coffee, but the really important message here is that looking after ourselves is encouraged, never criticised. What makes Myfanwy’s leadership remarkable is that she notices when people are struggling, often before they say anything themselves. She knows her staff so well that she can recognise when someone needs encouragement, reassurance or simply time to breathe. Supervisions are never purely about targets or criticism; they are supportive, reflective and celebratory. Staff are encouraged not only to identify areas for development, but to acknowledge and feel proud of what they have achieved. A recent visiting professional commented on the incredibly calm, happy atmosphere within the setting and how gentle, caring and nurturing the staff team were with the children. What makes this especially meaningful is that this environment did not happen overnight, it is something Myfanwy has carefully built and nurtured over time by ensuring staff themselves feel safe, supported and valued. Her belief has always been that when we feel emotionally secure and appreciated, children naturally benefit from calmer, more compassionate care. The positive atmosphere within the setting is something visitors notice immediately. There is no tolerance for negativity, unkindness or unhealthy workplace culture. Instead, the team genuinely cares about one another. One new member of staff, who had previously left the childcare sector altogether, shared after only four weeks: “I honestly love being here. You’ve been so kind and the team really do care about each other. I really feel like I’ve got friends now and I can’t wait to come into work every day.”  She also said her confidence has already started growing because she feels so accepted and supported within the team. I think that speaks volumes about the culture Myfanwy has created.  Team morale remains incredibly high, which is reflected in our most recent wellbeing questionnaires where every member of staff scored 5 out of 5 for both how supported they feel and how happy they are in their role. Staff turnover is practically non-existent because when people join us, they stay. That level of loyalty comes from feeling appreciated and cared for. Myfanwy also understands the importance of connection outside of work. She organises weekends away and team social events so staff can relax together away from the pressures of the setting, helping to build genuine friendships and trust within the team. Because of this, everyone willingly supports one another. Staff happily step in to help when needed because we know that kindness, flexibility and support are always returned. In fact, recently the entire team came together and rearranged shifts across two days purely so she could have some much-needed time off. Nobody asked us to do it, we wanted to, because she is constantly there for us and we wanted to show the same care back to her. Despite her leadership role, she is never distant or office-based. She is always present, right at the centre of everything, offering reassurance, guidance and support to staff, children and families alike. Families feel just as valued as staff do, with regular events and opportunities created to bring everyone together and celebrate as a community. Personally, I can honestly say I would not want to work anywhere else. I feel incredibly lucky to have such a compassionate, understanding and inspiring leader. She has created more than just a workplace; she has created a safe, uplifting and nurturing environment where staff, children and families really do thrive. The impact she has had on all of us goes far beyond our jobs. I genuinely would not be the person I am today without her consistent support, encouragement and belief in me. To many of us, she is far more than a manager, she is a role model, a source of strength and, most importantly, a friend.

Volunteer of the Year: Lisa Kelly Jones, Faith in Families, Swansea 

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

Lisa brings an infectious and energetic personality to everything they do. Their positivity, enthusiasm, and genuine care for others make a lasting impact on everyone around them. They have a natural ability to make people feel welcome, valued, and supported, creating strong relationships with both children and families alike. Children are naturally drawn to Lisa because of her fun, approachable, and caring nature. They create safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environments where children feel confident, supported, and able to thrive. Families also value the encouragement and support Lisa offers, often going the extra mile to ensure others feel included and cared for. What makes Lisa particularly special is the energy and heart they bring to their role. Their commitment is not simply about giving time — it is about making a real difference in the lives of others. Their enthusiasm is uplifting, motivating, and truly contagious within the community. 

Learner of the Year: Helen Ward, Clwb Carco, Cardiff

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.

Helen is an extremely deserving nominee for Learner of the Year due to her outstanding commitment, professionalism, and dedication within her Welsh setting. Since returning to work, Helen has shown exceptional work ethic and determination, particularly in developing both her Welsh language skills and her confidence in using Welsh within the workplace. Her progress has been clear to see and has had a positive impact on both colleagues and children.  Throughout her Level 3 qualification, Helen’s commitment has been outstanding. She has attended all taught sessions consistently and has contributed meaningfully during discussions and activities. The quality of her written work is consistently excellent, demonstrating a strong understanding of playwork principles and reflective practice. Helen also responds exceptionally well to feedback, always taking opportunities to improve and develop further.  Helen is a positive role model to younger and fellow staff members alike. She is approachable, supportive, and always willing to help others when needed. She embraces new ideas and consistently values and encourages children’s voice within her practice, ensuring children feel listened to and included in decisions affecting their play experiences.  I strongly believe Helen deserves this award in recognition of her dedication, growth, and the positive influence she has within her setting and wider team.

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.

Lianne is a great Out of School Club Leader and a true playwork champion who strives every day to provide the best possible play opportunities for the children in her care. She has a real understanding of the importance of play and works hard to make sure children have the time, space and freedom to explore, be creative and just be themselves.  

Over the past year, Lianne has really pushed herself professionally. She stepped out of her comfort zone to share her practice with others, delivering sessions at both the Mudiad Meithrin Conference and the Gofal Plant Childcare and Play Conference. Leading a session on play and how to create better opportunities for children is a huge achievement, and she did this with passion, providing inspiration others to reflect on and develop their own practice.  

Within Clwb Gogerddan, Lianne has also made a big impact. She developed a “play-a-gogy” document to support the whole staff team in following the playwork curriculum. This has helped create a shared approach across the team and supported staff to feel more confident in delivering quality play experiences. The whole team work hard to provide the best play opportunities each and every day.   

She is also really committed to her own development. Lianne has recently achieved her Level 3 Forest School qualification, working alongside an experienced Forest School Level 3 Leader, Lianne and the team are enhancing and developing the outdoor area and experiences that they offer and strengthening the setting’s approach to outdoor learning.  

Nothing is out of bounds (once it’s been risk assessed!) During school time my daughter has been told she can’t climb trees in case she falls and can’t make pencils out of sticks because they’re sharp, but in After School Club these skills are supported and encouraged in a way that allows her to let her imagination run wild, whilst also staying safe. Every opportunity is maximised to encourage free play, creativity, imagination, teamwork and skill development and she thrives from it.  

Always a step ahead with activities for all our children, all needs and all backgrounds. Thank you! 

Playworker of the Year: Catrin Bell, Clwb Twm, Denbighshire​

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.

I would like to nominate Catrin for the Playworker of the Year Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication and commitment to the children attending Clwb Twm. Catrin consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every child who attends the club has access to the very best possible opportunities. She creates a warm, inclusive, and stimulating environment where all children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore and enjoy their play. Her ability to ensure that all children—regardless of their needs, abilities, or backgrounds—are included and supported is truly outstanding. Catrin demonstrates a deep understanding of the value of play and its impact on children’s development. She carefully adapts activities to meet individual needs while allowing children the freedom to be creative, independent, and confident in their choices. Her thoughtful approach ensures that every child can engage meaningfully, build resilience, and develop socially and emotionally. She builds strong and trusting relationships with the children, which in turn fosters a sense of belonging and wellbeing within the club. Catrin is also a fantastic role model within the team, promoting fairness, respect, and equality in everything she does. Her passion for playwork, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment make a significant difference to the lives of the children at Clwb Twm. Catrin truly embodies the values of high-quality playwork and is an incredibly deserving candidate for this award.

Commitment to Continuing Professional Development: Clwb Y Ddraig, Caerphilly 

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.

This Out of School Childcare Club demonstrates an outstanding commitment to the professional development of its staff team, recognising that investing in people is fundamental to delivering high-quality childcare and play opportunities for children and families within the local community. The setting actively encourages and supports all staff to attend training, workshops, and professional learning opportunities to enhance their knowledge, confidence, and practice. Staff have completed a wide range of mandatory and additional training, including safeguarding, food hygiene, paediatric first aid, and Prevent Duty training. Importantly, the setting also places strong emphasis on playwork-focused learning, ensuring staff maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of playwork principles and child development. The leadership team has created a positive culture of continuous professional development where staff feel valued, listened to, and supported in their roles. Regular supervision meetings, appraisals, and opportunities to reflect on practice enable staff to continually develop their skills and confidence. Staff consistently report that they enjoy their roles and feel respected and appreciated by management. A particular strength of the provision is the way staff are encouraged to share good practice experiences with colleagues across other settings within the organisation. This collaborative approach broadens staff knowledge, strengthens teamwork, and directly improves outcomes for children attending the club. The impact of this commitment to professional development is evident throughout the setting. Staff interactions with children are warm, nurturing, and respectful. Practitioners demonstrate a strong understanding of children’s individual needs and provide rich play experiences that support children’s independence, creativity, confidence, and emotional well-being. Children benefit from a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment where they feel secure, valued, and able to thrive. By prioritising staff development, this Out of School Childcare Club ensures consistently high standards of care and play opportunities for children while strengthening the quality of childcare available to local families and the wider community. Their dedication to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement makes them highly deserving of recognition.

Promoting Positive Diversity​: St. Giles Wraparound Care, 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.

The Wraparound Care places children and families at the heart of everything they do, creating an inclusive, responsive service that truly reflects the needs of our diverse community. St. Giles support families from numerous cultures, beliefs, and languages, and work in close partnership with parents and carers to ensure every child feels safe, valued, and able to thrive. Parent voice is central to their practice. St. Giles actively listen to families through daily conversations, ongoing feedback, and open communication, using their views to shape the provision. Parents consistently tell us they feel heard, respected, and confident that their child’s individual needs, identity, and home culture are recognised and celebrated within our setting. Practice is rooted in child‑led playwork principles, ensuring children have choice, voice, and control in their play. This approach is particularly empowering for non‑English‑speaking learners, as play provides a natural, inclusive way to communicate, build relationships, and develop confidence without reliance on spoken language. Through child‑led activities, visual resources, peer support, and sensitive staff interactions, children are able to express themselves freely, feel a sense of belonging, and gradually develop communication skills at their own pace. By valuing children as capable, confident individuals and parents as partners, St. Giles provide a nurturing and inclusive environment that supports children’s wellbeing beyond the school day. This award would recognise the powerful impact of the family‑focused, child‑led approach and commitment to celebrating diversity while supporting every child and family to flourish.

Champions of Inclusion: Caban Y Coed, Anglesey ​

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.

I would like to put Caban Y Coed forward for Champions of Inclusion as it provides a truly inclusive, supportive and understanding environment for all children and families. The setting goes above and beyond to adapt to individual needs, ensuring every child feels welcomed, valued and able to take part. Thoughtfully created calm zones offer children a safe space to regulate when they feel overwhelmed, and structured routines or pre-planned days are in place for those who benefit from consistency and predictability. Staff actively use Makaton to support communication and inclusion, and show a deep understanding of how to recognise and manage when children may feel overwhelmed. Their approach is patient, flexible and child-centred, ensuring every child is supported in a way that works for them. What makes Caban Y Coed truly special is the sense of trust it provides. It is a safe, nurturing space where parents can feel completely confident leaving their children, knowing they will be cared for, understood and supported. Caban Y Coed is a fantastic example of inclusive childcare in action, making a real difference to children, families and the wider community. Caban Y Coed truly deserves recognition as Champions of Inclusion. They create a welcoming, supportive environment where every child is valued and included, regardless of their needs or abilities. My daughter has additional needs, and the support she receives there has been exceptional. The team go above and beyond to understand her as an individual, adapting their approach to suit her and ensuring she feels safe, included, and able to take part in everything. They don’t just provide care — they actively support her development and advocate for her needs. My older daughter also attends the After School Club, and it’s clear that all children are treated with the same level of kindness, patience, and respect. The setting promotes inclusion naturally, helping children build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging. Caban Y Coed is more than just a childcare club — it is a place where children and families feel supported, understood, and genuinely included.

Out of School Club of the Year: Clwb Y Ddraig, Caerphilly

​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 Y Ddraig is an exceptional example of a playwork environment that fully embodies the Playwork Principles and demonstrates the transformative impact that high-quality play and childcare can have on children, families, and the wider community. Clwb Y Ddraig creates a welcoming, child-centred environment where children are free to explore, create, imagine, and develop through freely chosen play. Inspectors highlighted that children are “happy and settled” and have a “strong sense of belonging.” Children confidently make choices about their play, move freely between indoor and outdoor environments, and independently access a wide range of stimulating resources and experiences. A key strength of Clwb Y Ddraig is its commitment to promoting children’s independence and autonomy. Children prepare their own snacks, make healthy choices, and confidently manage age-appropriate tasks with minimal adult intervention. The environment encourages curiosity, creativity, and self-expression, with children using recycled materials to create imaginative role-play scenarios and developing their own ideas through open-ended play opportunities. The playwork team demonstrates a deep understanding of children’s developmental needs and the importance of play. Staff are described as professional, caring, and highly skilled, with up-to-date knowledge of playwork principles. Their interactions are warm, respectful, and nurturing, enabling children to feel emotionally secure and valued. Staff support rather than direct children’s play, allowing children to lead their own experiences while providing encouragement, reassurance, and positive role modelling. The club also excels in creating an inclusive and collaborative play culture. Children of different ages interact positively, encourage one another, and celebrate each other’s achievements. Inspectors observed children praising peers during physical play activities, demonstrating the strong social and emotional development fostered within the setting. Outdoor play is clearly valued and embedded within daily practice. Children have access to rich outdoor environments that promote active play, exploration, den building, role play, and physical challenge. The provision of partially covered outdoor areas ensures children can benefit from outdoor play in all weather conditions, reflecting excellent playwork practice and a genuine understanding of children’s need for free movement and outdoor experiences. The setting also demonstrates the wider benefits of quality childcare for families and the community. Parents describe the setting very positively and value the supportive relationships they have with staff. Strong partnerships with the local school further strengthen children’s continuity of care and sense of security. Families trust the setting to provide not only safe and reliable childcare, but meaningful experiences that support children’s happiness, confidence, and well-being. Leadership within the setting is reflective, supportive, and committed to continuous improvement. Staff feel valued, well-supported, and empowered through ongoing professional development opportunities. This positive workplace culture directly benefits the children, ensuring consistently high standards of care and play opportunities. This setting is a shining example of how quality playwork enriches children’s lives, supports families, and strengthens communities. The setting successfully places children’s play, voice, well-being, and individuality at the centre of everything it does and is highly deserving of recognition.

The Wendy Hawkins Community Impact Award: Trinity Childcare and Family Centre, Methryr Tydfil ​

An Out of School Childcare Club that has gone above and beyond in their community, supporting families and building community connections.

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Trinity Childcare and Family Centre is the hub of the community, providing a trusted, welcoming space where children and families can connect, access support, and build lasting relationships. Operating in an area facing high levels of deprivation, social isolation, and inequality, Trinity goes beyond delivering services—it creates a sense of belonging. Families are welcomed into an inclusive, non-judgemental environment where they can meet others, share experiences, and feel part of a supportive community. Through a wide range of activities, including stay-and-play sessions, parenting groups, and community events, Trinity actively brings people together. These opportunities help families form friendships, reduce isolation, and develop informal support networks. Many parents who initially access support go on to build confidence, participate more actively, and support others within the community. A key strength of Trinity’s approach is that it is genuinely community-led. Services have been shaped through extensive consultation, and families continue to influence delivery through regular feedback, participation, and volunteering. This ensures that support reflects real local needs while also empowering families to take an active role in their community. The Community Hub model plays a vital role in strengthening community connection. By bringing together early years provision, family support, and community engagement in one place, Trinity creates a central, accessible point where families can access help and build relationships. This reduces barriers, simplifies access to services, and encourages ongoing engagement. Partnership working further strengthens community impact. Trinity collaborates closely with schools, health visitors, local organisations, and voluntary groups, ensuring families receive joined-up support while building stronger connections across the community. The impact of this work is both immediate and long-term. Families feel less isolated, more confident, and more connected. Children benefit from stronger early development and positive social experiences. Over time, this contributes to a more resilient community where people support one another and are better able to manage challenges. Trinity Childcare and Family Centre is not just supporting individuals—it is strengthening the fabric of the community. Its ability to bring people together, build trust, and create lasting connections makes it a highly deserving recipient of the Wendy Hawkins Community Impact Award.

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