Play and childcare heroes celebrated at awards

It was the second year running Swansea Council has teamed up with JR Events & Catering for the prestigious awards evening of glitz and glamour.

Guests were treated to opening entertainment by the Taliesin String Trio and The Performance Factory All Stars and live band Stereo Hearts performed at the end of the night.

The overall sponsor was Swansea University and category sponsors were Signalong, Freedom Leisure, Holistic Steps, Gower College, Hoop Education and The Childcare Offer for Wales.

Judges were Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Supporting Communities Hayley Gwilliam, Ishbel Hansan from The Parent Carer Forum and Terry Bravin of the Mr X Appeal.

Cllr Gwilliam said: "It was a fantastic opportunity to hear about the difference childcare and play settings across Swansea, and the skilled professionals who work in childcare and play, make to the lives of our young people and their families.

"I hope those who attended enjoyed as much as I did and I'd again like to congratulate all the winners and nominees and thank those who took the time to show their appreciation by nominating them."

There were 12 categories and the winners are below:

Inclusive practice - Blaenymaes Butterflies Flying Start

For the love of nature - Highgate Nursery Morriston, Little Acorns Day Nursery and Sarah's Sweethearts Childminding.

Supporting Children's Communication Needs - Highgate Nursery Uplands, Oaktree Nursery and Susan Griffiths Childminder.

Welsh Language and Culture - Meithrinfa Joio Day Nursery and Plant Hapus bilingual childminder

Staff Commitment to Learning & Development - Gower Day Nursery, Smiley Havens Child Minding & Squiggles Day Nursery

Working with Parents & Carers - Bonymaen Community Cwtch, Little Blue Birds Childminding  and Ty Hapus Day Nursery

Local Community Spirited Award - Baby & Toddler Group Dyfatty and Teilo Tots Day Care  

Nutritious Foods & Healthy Snacks - Students' Union Day Nursery, Little Acorns Day Nursery and Vikki & Ashwyn Thomas

Nurturing and Caring Environments - Craigfelen Caterpillars Flying Start, Swansea Community Farm, The Rose Garden Day Nursery and Vikki & Ashwyn Thomas

Rising Star Award - Aysha Sen, Keira Wren and Leah Williams

The Amaris Award - Cylch Chwarae Parc Y Werin 

Special Recognition Awards - Child's Play at St David's, Dunvant Primary School Wraparound, Zoe Evans from Trusting Hands Day Nursery,  Tiny Swans Preschool, Little Cherubs Day Nursery, Port Tennant Play Group and 
Cerys Jones from Swansea Community Farm.