YMCA Barley Wood Day Nursery scoops accolade at Weston College Business Awards YMCA Dulverton Group’s Barley Wood Day Nursery is celebrating after winning a prestigious accolade at Weston College’s annual Business Awards last week. The nursery, based in Wrington has been named Medium Employer of the Year at the event which celebrated the success of the college’s learners and partners. Guests at the Winter Gardens venue – including students, employers and local dignitaries – enjoyed a three-course dinner and heard an inspirational keynote talk from Nick Elston, one of the country’s most renowned speakers on the subjects of anxiety, mental health and well-being. Laura Shields, Nursery Manager for YMCA Barley Wood Day Nursery said: “To attend the awards with members of the team was a privilege and I am grateful that we have been recognised. The team work exceptionally hard and I am beyond proud of all of them.” YMCA Barley Wood Day Nursery was singled out for the support and guidance that they provide to their apprentices. Apprentices gain a varied experience, working with children of all ages and find their learning experience very valuable. Kevin Lilwall, Director of Early Years and Communities at YMCA Dulverton Group said: “I’m thrilled that Barley Wood nursery have been recognised for their work and for the partnership with Weston College. “We have a great team of dedicated and hard-working staff, including apprentices, who go above and beyond to make Barley Wood Day Nursery a safe and happy learning environment for all of the children. This award is thoroughly deserved.” Principal and CEO of Weston College Group, Dr Paul Phillips, who hosted the awards, said. “Many congratulations to YMCA Barley Wood Day Nursery and all of our award winners. “This year we received a record number of nominations. While this made judging an unenviable task, it highlights the wealth of talent among our learners and the level of dedication and expertise within our employer network. “Without the support of YMCA Barley Wood Day Nursery and our other business partners, it wouldn’t be possible to provide learners with the skills and experience they require in the world of work.” __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Founded in 1844, YMCA in England is made up of 113-member YMCAs working to ensure young people and children have opportunities to thrive and contribute positively to communities. YMCA operates in over 530 different communities in England impacting upon the lives of more than 500,000 people every year. YMCA Somerset Coast believes every family should have the support they need to develop and lead more fulfilling lives. The right start in life is crucial for a person’s long-term development. It is for this reason that YMCA works with people from birth through to adulthood – supporting individuals and families to flourish. The YMCA supports more than 230,000 children, young people and parents every year through our family work. YMCA Somerset Coast provides 65,000 nights of safe and stable accommodation for vulnerable young people and families in Somerset. YMCA enables nearly 68,000 people every year to engage in education, skills and training to enable them to improve their opportunities in the job market. YMCA is the largest voluntary sector provider of health and wellbeing services promoting physical activity. YMCA Somerset Coast believes every family should have the support they need to develop and lead more fulfilling lives. The right start in life is crucial for a person’s long-term development. It is for this reason that YMCA works with people from birth through to adulthood – supporting individuals and families to flourish. The YMCA supports more than 230,000 children, young people and parents every year through our family work. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ VIDEOS shot at Barley Wood for Wrington website include: Interview with Martin Hodgson <http://www.wrington.net/webarchive/2014/Martin%20Hodgson/> <http://www.wrington.net/archive/2015/barleywoodnurseryopenmorning/> <https://wrington.net/webarchive/2015/barleywoodxmasfair/>