CHILDREN at a nursery in Ruthin have been receiving some of the best care in Wales.

The Mill Childcare Centre, Ruthin has received a glowing report from the Care Inspectore Wales (CIW), Wales' regulatory body for social work and social care services, whilst one of the nursery's staff has been awarded for her ground-breaking success on a course that will soon become a legal requirement for childcare standards.

The report, published by the CIW on June 14 following an inspection in February, commended the childcare centre for its well-planned care and education, staff commitment to professional development, forward-thinking leadership and dedicated management.

Ffion Roberts, owner of the childcare centre, said: “‘I am pleased that the report recognises all the hard work the staff have put into making the Mill a true centre of excellence.

“I feel the report is a true reflection of the quality and expertise we offer.”

The nursery had achieved the National Day Nursery Association’s Level 3 award last year – only received by six nurseries throughout Wales.

Ms Roberts continued: “For the last 29 years, the nursery has been raising standards every year. It is our motto to improve the care and service we provide.

“The superb staff at the nursery have been with me for a very long time and they are the reason we have done so well.”

During the CIW inspection and report publication, Gill Kensall, manager at the Mill Childcare Centre, who has been at the nursery for 20 years, received a Learner of the Year award at Coleg Cambria for her academic performance as the first ever student on an entirely new course, titled Playwork Transition, for which she received a Distinction grade.

The course sets out to teach managers in early years childcare who oversee children aged eight and above to help children in their transition into this age group.

After 2021 the course will become legal requirement as part of the CIW's effort to raise childcare standards.

Ms Kensall, who has two children studying nursing and media at universities in Liverpool and Cardiff, said: “I was really surprised to receive this award – this is a brand-new course that has not been studied before. As the first student on the course I aimed to get a distinction and worked really hard, for myself, the nursery and the college.”

“I am interested in raising standards of childcare at the nursery and by doing this course I have learned a lot about caring for eight-year-olds, which will allow me to support my team moving forward, who will also go through their own qualifications.”

The ceremony was attended by Sam Warburton, Wales international rugby player, who discussed his career and motivation to keep succeeding at the highest level, followed by a performance by the West End’s The Greatest Showman cast.

A spokesperson for Coleg Cambria said: “Gill was the centre’s first leaner on the Playwork Transition Award having already completed a Children’s Care Learning and Development award.

“She set the bar high for the standard Cambria aim for and worked to gain a distinction carrying out her research and completing the award alongside her full-time responsibilities as a manager.

“She supports the apprentices working at the Mill, ensuring they have the opportunities to develop their childcare careers. Gill hopes to use her qualification to further the playwork provision at the Mill.”