‘Inspirational role model’ at Anglesey nursery competes for top award
Ellen Evans with children (from left) Alfie Unwin, Thomas Bowles and Isabel Nassif at Treffos Cottage Nursery.
The deputy manager of an Anglesey nursery, who has been described by her employers as an “inspirational role model”, is in contention to win a major award at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2015.
Ellen Evans, 27, of Llandegfan, Menai Bridge, is one of three finalists shortlisted in the Higher Apprentice of the Year category at the high profile awards ceremony to be held at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Thursday, October 29.
The coveted awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of those who have exceeded expectations, shown a dynamic approach to training and demonstrated initiative, enterprise, innovation, creativity and commitment to the improvement of skills development for the Welsh economy.
Jointly organised by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), the awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC and media partner is Media Wales. The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
Ellen was motivated to commit to a Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management, including a QCF Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development, by her assessor from Coleg Menai, Catherine Lamb, having previously completed a BTEC Level 3.
During her learning journey, she grew in confidence as a leader and manager at Treffos Cottage Nursery at Llansadwrn, Menai Bridge and felt the benefit of being challenged and stretched.
She enjoyed increasing her knowledge and understanding of holistic child care and the principles and values of the childcare sector.
Sharing knowledge with fellow staff, she has improved appraisals and supervision and made changes in the nursery to give junior staff more responsibility. The result is a more efficient nursery, happier children, satisfied parents and more contented staff.
“The Higher Apprenticeship has increased my performance as a deputy manager, made me more effective in my practice, upskilled me and has given me the tools through knowledge, understanding and skills to further develop my staff in the nursery,” said Ellen.
As a reward for her work, she won the ‘Higher Apprentice of the Year’ awards within Coleg Menai and Grwp Llandrillo Menai.
Dr Stuart and Joyce Humphreys, headteachers at Treffos Independent School and Cottage Nursery, said; “In short, Ellen has been an inspirational role model. Her progress has been exceptional.”
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Julie James congratulated Ellen and the other 36 award finalists. “We have some truly exceptional apprentices here in Wales and the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru provide a perfect platform for us to celebrate their hard work and achievements,” she said.
“Equally important are the training providers and employers who go the extra mile to support their apprentices. Developing skilled young people is vital for our economy. The Welsh Government is committed to training programmes such as Apprenticeships but investment must be a shared responsibility with the education sector, businesses and individuals.”
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