A childminder who runs a Barry daycare business has won a top award for her work.
Sarah Sharpe, the owner of Poppins Daycare, has been a childminder locally for the last twelve years - and works closely with Vale Council to raise the profile of the role.
Care inspectors also recently described her work as 'excellent' in four key areas.
Sarah won the PACEY Cymru award from the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years at an event in Llandudno earlier this month.
She said: "Childminding is the best thing I ever did. I originally did my childminding course through the council."
"They supported me through the application process and have continued to support me right up until today, twelve years later."
Sarah is involved in a number of key local and national initiatives such as the 'Childcare Offer for Wales', which aims to reduce childcare costs for parents, the 'Flying Start' offer which provides free part-time childcare for 2-3 year olds and the 'Healthy and Sustainable Pre-School Scheme', teaching children how to live healthy lives.
She is also an advocate for schemes such as the Baranado's PATHs SEL pilot project, supporting social and emotional learning with children.
Recently, she spoke at a local event about choosing childminding as a career, sharing advice to those looking to follow in her footsteps.
Sarah is also a keen user of social media, with her Facebook platform winning praise for her professionalism and engagement. She also set up a WhatsApp group for other childminders in the Vale to provide support, especially during the Covid pandemic.
Vale Council says it nominated Sarah for the PACEY award in recognition of her "excellent work and collaboration".
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, cabinet member for education, said: "I'm delighted that Sarah's outstanding work has been recognised with the PACEY Award."
"She has gone above and beyond to raise the profile of childminding in Wales, continuing to offer support to upcoming and existing childminders across the Vale."
"Her efforts and professionalism set a great example for childminders in the County. A big thank you to the childcare and early years team for their ongoing support of childminders in the Vale."
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