Raising the profile of the early years workforce in Wales is key to attracting and recruiting more workers into the childcare sector – especially through the medium of Welsh – and to show a wider audience the benefits of working in a sector that makes a positive difference to the lives of young children in Wales.

Mudiad Meithrin are passionate about giving every child the opportunity to benefit from high quality and fun early years experiences.

On Saturday, 2 October Mudiad Meithrin celebrated its’ annual Awards Ceremony at Theatr y Werin, Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

Mudiad Meithrin received nominations for staff and volunteers at Cylchoedd Meithrin (Welsh-medium playgroups) or Day Nurseries for a chance to win an award in nine different categories. The ceremony celebrates and recognises all the excellent work at its Welsh-medium playgroups and day nurseries across Wales, and popular Welsh TV Presenter Mari Lövgreen was back again this year to present the awards ceremony in a slick and professional manner.

Leanne Marsh, Head of Services Development for Mudiad Meithrin said:

“Our Awards Ceremony is a wonderful way to raise the profile of the workforce and early years settings. The heroic way in which staff have managed to maintain the service to the children of key workers during the pandemic has shown how important this service is to the local community and to the economy as a whole.It’s a lovely way for the staff and volunteers to be recognised by being nominated by the parents of the children in their care.”

Dr Gwenllian Lansdown Davies, Mudiad Meithrin’s Chief Executive, said:

“The Awards Ceremony gives Mudiad Meithrin an opportunity to recognise and thank the staff and volunteers at grassroots level and build on the campaign we held this September highlighting our committees’ work. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate the good practice that is happening across Wales and being able to come together this year to do it whilst also broadcasting online too.”

2021 Mudiad Meithrin Awards – The Winners

Leader (Sponsored by Ceredigion County Council)

1. Kate Jenkins (Cylch Meithrin Tedi Twt, Caerphilly)
2. Hannah Lines-Zechmann (Cylch Meithrin Llangyndeyrn, Carmarthenshire)
3. Sioned Wyn Jones Roberts (Cylch Meithrin Glantwymyn, Powys)

Playing and Learning Outdoors

1. Cylch Meithrin Eco Tywi, Carmarthenshire
2. Cylch Meithrin Sarnau a Llandderfel, Gwynedd
3. Meithrinfa Cwtsh y Clos, Carmarthenshire

Assistant

1. Carys Price (Cylch Meithrin Cylch yn yr Ysgol, Powys)
2. Lindsay Turner (Cylch Meithrin Pontarddulais, Swansea)
3. Karlie Jo Davies (Cylch Meithrin Penderyn, Rhondda Cynon Taff)

Cylch Meithrin  – South East Wales

1. Cylch Meithrin Evan James – Rhondda Cynon Taff
2. Cylch Meithrin Camau Cyntaf Llanhari – Rhondda Cynon Taff
3. Cylch Meithrin Nant Dyrys – Rhondda Cynon Taff

Cylch Meithrin – South-west Wales (Sponsored by Ceredigion County Council)

1. Cylch Meithrin Crymych, Pembrokeshire
2. Cylch Meithrin Cylch yn yr Ysgol, Powys
3. Cylch Meithrin Tal-y-Bont, Ceredigion

Cylch Meithrin  – North East Wales (Sponsored by Powys Council)

1. Cylch Meithrin Glantwymyn, Powys
2. Cylch Meithrin Drenewydd, Powys
3. Cylch Meithrin Pontrobert, Powys

Cylch Meithrin – North West Wales (Sponsored by Ateb)

1. Cylch Meithrin Pwllheli, Gwynedd
2. Cylch Meithrin Dolgellau, Gwynedd
3. Cylch Meithrin Sarnau a Llandderfel, Gwynedd

Overall Cylch Meithrin Winner throughout Wales

1. Cylch Meithrin Pwllheli, Gwynedd

Dewin and Doti

1. Cylch Meithrin Penparc, Ceredigion
2. Cylch Meithrin Hywel Dda, Carmarthenshire
3. Cylch Meithrin Mornant, Flintshire

Day Nursery (Sponsored by WeCare Wales)

1. Meithrinfa Cwtsh y Clos, Carmarthenshire
2. Meithrinfa Seren Fach, Gwynedd
3. Meithrinfa Y Cam Cynta, Carmarthenshire

Committee (Sponsored by Darwin Gray)

1. Cylch Meithrin Glantwymyn, Powys
2. Cylch Meithrin Beddau, Rhondda Cynon Taff
3. Cylch Meithrin Dyffryn Banw, Powys

Volunteer (Sponsored by Media Panel Wales)

1. Eifiona Wood (Cylch Meithrin Abersoch, Gwynedd)
2. Siôn Hughes, (Cylch Meithrin Bwcle, Flintshire)
3. Michelle Killey (Cylch Meithrin Tonyfelin, Caerphilly)

Inclusion Equality and Diversity (Sponsored by S4C)

1. Cylch Meithrin Penparc, Ceredigion
2. Cylch Meithrin Y Bedol, Carmarthenshire
3. Cylch Meithrin Myrddin, Carmarthenshire