Belfast Nursery best in UK

by Gráinne Connolly

A Belfast day nursery is celebrating after winning the 'Best Individual Nursery in the UK' accolade. 

'Puddleducks' was presented at the prestigious Nursery Management Today industry awards in London last month.

The créche on Glengall Street in the city centre was one of only five to be shortlisted at a national level.

It was selected for its focus on the self-esteem, wellbeing and confidence of each individual child, with this award further cementing the stellar work of the hardworking team at the only day nursery in the city centre.

Sharon Malcolm, Manager of Puddleducks, said;

"We are beyond thrilled to receive this national recognition for our ongoing work in challenging the norms of early years practice.

“We care for the heart while caring for the mind, focusing intensely on every little duckling’s emotional well-being and building their resilience to all the things that life might throw at them.

“It is truly humbling to hear from other nurseries about how they are adopting our practice methods for the ultimate benefit of children across the UK and we will continue to find new ways of doing the best job we can and getting the best out of all the children we care for.”

'Puddleducks' caters for 70 children up to five years old, with the majority of parents working in town.

It's a social enterprise owned and managed by Belfast Central Mission (BCM), one of Northern Ireland’s oldest charities and its practice methods are now being adopted by other nurseries throughout the UK.