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.

Below are anonymised nominations for the shortlisted Out of School Childcare Clubs / Playworkers. Please read the descriptions below and cast your vote for the winner here.

This setting 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.  

The setting 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 the setting 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 setting 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 wellbeing.  

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, wellbeing, and individuality at the centre of everything it does and is highly deserving of recognition. 

Amazing team. They always make it so much fun for the children. 

My son attends the holiday club and absolutely loves his time there. The setting is very child friendly, lots of stimulating activities and resources available for the children. The staff are fantastic – friendly, nurturing, clearly experienced and I love how they great each child with such warmth and kindness every day. This really is a special setting and one that should lead by example.

This really is a place where everyone loves to play. It’s wonderful to witness and hear the children and staff’s laughter. The children always come out nowhere near as clean as they went in with the biggest smiles on their face which I love as I know they’ve had a good day. Children are forced to grow up too quickly and abide by rules and we forget that they are young and need to play, get creative, use their imaginations etc. It is a wonderful place that truly understands this and embodies this. The children are listened to and the staff always ensure that each and every child is involved in play in whatever way that looks for them as they are child led. It really is a wonderful setting with wonderful staff.

This is an amazing setting for the children. My daughter is excited every day to attend (and wants to attend on weekends also!) She adores all of her teachers and always has amazing stories to tell me from her day at school. Each and every single teacher there are warm, welcoming, playful and an asset to the school and community. 

Over recent years, the club has developed significantly, becoming a lively, inclusive and highly valued provision. One of the main achievements is establishing a Welsh-language Holiday Club, which has expanded opportunities for children beyond the school term and strengthened its connection with the local community. The increase in the number of children attending reflects the trust and value that families place on the club.  

Despite this growth, the club has continued to prioritise accessibility, keeping prices affordable for families while providing a standard that competes with — and often exceeds — other local providers. By securing grant funding, it has been able to enrich the range of resources and activities, providing stimulating and meaningful play experiences for children. 

However, what makes this club truly special is its impact on children. It offers much more than childcare — it provides a safe, nurturing and happy environment where children build friendships, develop confidence and feel a genuine sense of belonging.  

This club is not just a provision; it is an essential part of the community. Its dedication and positive impact make it a truly deserving winner for Club of the Year. 

This club provides an exceptional, high-quality service to the community. The staff are always friendly, welcoming and ready to help, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere for everyone who visits. They consistently work hard to provide positive experiences and make a real difference to local people. The dedication, professionalism and care they show make the club deserving of recognition through this award.

There is a variety of different activities available each day which support engagement and development and encourage learning through play. There is availability at each school holiday and it is reasonably priced which helps parents. Children are familiar with staff as it is an extension of their school so they feel happy to attend. 

Our Daughter really enjoys the club. She always asks if she is going in the mornings! It is invaluable for us too. We are really pleased that she has an opportunity to keep in touch with school friends of all ages, continue her Welsh language learning and have fun through the school holidays in particular. It keeps the link with school in the holidays which is important for routine and confidence. I am a Welsh learner and always made to feel very welcome and have an opportunity to practise my Welsh too. As a family we have recently navigated a very difficult cancer diagnosis and the staff have been so caring and kind and making sure our daughter is happy and settled. Thank you very much to all the staff!!

This is a fantastic After School Club that provides care and a variety of experiences for children of all ages. My son attends the club weekly and enjoys all aspects. He loves the opportunity to play freely outdoors with various outdoor toys and equipment which has helped develop his large motor skills. Before attending, he struggled with pedalling a bike, now after being given the opportunity he is a confident bike rider. He often enjoys playing with small world toys which helps develop his imagination and engagement with others. As well as all these play opportunities, he is given the opportunity to relax and de-compress after a busy day at school by sitting/lying on comfy cushions and watching a film or engaging in some craft work by the table.   

My son has made many friends through the club. Being a large school he doesn’t often see children of different ages other than his own class/year group, but it has given him the opportunity to play with children of all ages. This has helped his social development.  

What a great club! They go to the ends of the earth for any parent. Experienced and reliable staff who do things for the children. The club offers a variety of play opportunities for children and always does its best to listen to suggestions and develop the site for the benefit of the children. Wonderful leadership and always ensuring they can offer last-minute places to parents who are held up at work or in traffic. Everyone is ready to help and treats every child with love and warmth. 

A Welsh-language club through and through, and it has now expanded by opening a holiday club for local children. Well done!! 

Cast your vote for the winner here