Rhondda Cynon Taf has proudly celebrated the dedication, passion, excellence and hard work of its childcare sector at the 2025- 2026 Childcare Awards, held at Y Muni, Pontypridd. Organised by the council’s Childcare Team and now in its second year, the event brought together practitioners from across the county borough for an afternoon of recognition, inspiration and celebration.
Several awards were voted for by the public, giving families the chance to shine a spotlight on the settings and individuals who make a real difference every day.
This year’s celebration also acknowledged the challenges the sector continues to face, including rising costs, changes in childcare demand and increasing numbers of children with additional needs. The Council emphasised its commitment to supporting providers, stating that the event was designed to show practitioners that their hard work is valued.
Alongside the awards ceremony, attendees heard from fellow childcare settings about wellbeing, ALN support and recent improvements funded through the Childcare and Early Years Small Capital Grant.
The 2026 Rhondda Cynon Taf Childcare Award Winners are:
Sessional Childcare Provider of the Year:
ASD Rainbows
Runners‑up:
Gofal Plant Flourish @ Dolau, Gofal Plant Flourish @ Llantrisant
Apprentice of the Year:
Tia Walters – Little Inspirations Aman
Runners‑up:
Meaha Everson (LCDP Explorers), Ash‑Leigh Holder (Little Inspirations Aman)
Out of School Club of the Year:
Selca Schools Club
Runners‑up:
Clwb Carco Cynllun Chwarae Awel Taf, Clwb Y Ddraig @ Llanilltud Faerdref
Childcare Practitioner of the Year:
Emily Jones – Little Inspirations Aman
Runners‑up:
Hannah Loder (Little Inspirations Tonyrefail), Danielle Cox (Gofal Plant Cymru @ Dolau)
Day Nursery of the Year:
Rachael’s Playhouse Hirwaun
Runners‑up:
Dylan’s Den, Little Inspirations Aman
Childminder of the Year:
Alicia Jones
Runners‑up:
Trudy Richards, Gemma Gibbs
Childcare Leader of the Year:
Corrine Nott – Little Inspirations Aman
Runners‑up:
Julie McLaughlin, Rhian Symons, Sophie Glover
Cylch Meithrin of the Year
Cylch Meithrin Llyn Y Forwyn
Runners‑up:
Cylch Meithrin Evan James, Cylch Meithrin Bysedd Bach
Excellence in ALN Support:
ASD Rainbows
Runners‑up:
Rachael’s Playhouse Hirwaun, Little Inspirations Aman
Excellent Contribution to Staff Wellbeing
Gofal Plant Cymru @ Dolau
Runners‑up:
Little Inspirations Aman, Gofal Plant Cymru @ YGG Tonyrefail
Excellent Outdoor Provision:
Rachael’s Playhouse Hirwaun
Runners‑up:
Little Inspirations Aman, ASD Rainbows
Congratulations to all the winners!
If you’re a parent or carer in Rhondda Cynon Taf, information on childcare providers, tax free childcare, funded childcare placements and much more, can be found here.
Posted on 29/04/2026