Is your nursery the next Scotland Nursery of the Year 2024?
Nominate your nursery for the NDNA Nursery Awards 2024
We hear from last year’s winners of the Scotland Nursery of the Year Awards 2023
Wellside Kindergarten in Falkirk, Scotland, provides nursery care and education for children aged birth to five years. They offer both a homely and educational environment where they believe learning happens through play. They have a strong emphasis on outdoor learning both in the nursery garden and local natural areas.
We asked them a few questions about winning last year’s award and what makes their nursery so unique.
What inspired you to enter the NDNA 2023 awards?
It has been a difficult few years and we felt that it was a great way to show our staff and parents that we care about providing a quality experience for the children and we want staff to get the recognition that they deserve.
It’s also a fun event to attend and again, it’s a great boost for everyone. The application process is really useful to showcase the work we do and makes you think about ways to further improve our setting.
How did you feel when your setting was shortlisted for the Nursery of the Year 2023 Scotland award?
We were ecstatic and proud even to be shortlisted – that’s still a huge achievement.
What did it mean to Wellside Kindergarten to be awarded Nursery of the Year 2023 Scotland and how did staff and parents react?
We were very proud as we have an extremely hard-working team who go above and beyond but also really amazed at how many parents took the time to vote. Our families are always really supportive and this shows us that they appreciate the effort that we go to ensure their children have the best experience possible. We are always ambitious and this is a great accolade for everyone.
What makes Wellside Kindergarten unique and what do you credit your success to?
We have been open for 31 years and in that time have continually looked for ways to develop. We love engaging in new initiatives, are enthusiastic and always motivated but most of all, we have a wonderful team that supports each other.
What has been the biggest benefit to winning this NDNA award?
Sharing our success widely has been a big benefit for us and it’s a great way to let new and current families know that we care and strive to provide the best service for their children.
Would you encourage other early years settings to enter the NDNA 2024 awards?
Absolutely – it’s a great process even if you are not shortlisted and really makes you think about the service you are providing.
Finally, as a previous winner, do you have anything to offer other early years settings looking to enter the 2024 awards?
Go for it! Get everyone involved in the submission and you will be amazed at how much you are actually doing. When you start noting it down you will be pleased, it really makes you think.
Our prestigious nursery awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across the nursery sector. If you would like your nursery to have a chance at being part of these amazing awards and taking home the Nursery of the Year awards or one of the nine other awards, visit votendna.org.uk. It’s FREE to enter!
The NDNA Nursery Awards 2024 winners will be revealed during a glitzy ceremony at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 7 June.
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