Posted on: Friday 29 November 2024
More than 50 people who work in the private childcare sector attended a recognition evening last night.
The Childcare Appreciation Event was organised in partnership with WeCare Wales/ Social Care Wales, to thank childminders, childcare practitioners, and playgroup and after school staff for the hard work they do.
The evening at the Victory Church, in Cwmbran, included an afternoon tea, live music and video messages from Chief Executive Stephen Vickers, Council Leader Cllr Anthony Hunt, MP Nick Thomas-Symonds and MS Lynne Neagle.
Sasha who works in a day nursery said: “It was a wonderful evening and it’s lovely to be appreciated and I am looking forward to the next one.”
Mandy from a playgroup, said: “It’s so nice to be thought of and appreciated, especially when some days can be hard, to hear thank you means a lot.”
Allison a childminder, said: “It’s been lovely to be recognised and appreciated, when we don’t always get that. It is really nice to get everyone together. Can’t wait for the next one.”
The event was the culmination of the first Torfaen Childcare Appreciation Week aimed at recognising those who work in the sector and to encourage others to consider a career in childcare.
In order to meet the Welsh Government Flying Start expansion program for the next few years. We need to ensure that we have sufficient, suitably qualified childcare practitioners to deliver the high-quality childcare required.
Council Leader, Anthony Hunt said: you play a pivotal role in our community, as without childcare many parents and carers would not be able to work.
Charlotte Dickens, Early Years Manager said: "Childcare workers offer an essential service to thousands of children and families across the borough.
"Not only do they support children's early development, they help prepare them for school and give parents and carers the opportunity to return to work knowing their children are well looked after.
"We saw an increase in demand for private childcare after the introduction of the Welsh Government's Childcare Offer for Wales and we expect this demand to continue as the government expands its Flying Start programme aimed at helping families in more deprived communities."
Supporting families to benefit from childcare in Flying Start areas is part of the council's Well-Being Objective to help children, young people and families to thrive.
Anyone interested in working in childcare can visit the Torfaen Council's jobs website or We Care Wales.
For information about childcare in Torfaen, visit the Family Information Service.