Vale childminder wins WeCare Wales award
A local childminder who works closely with the Vale of Glamorgan Council has won a national care award.
Sarah Sharpe, a registered childminder at Poppins Daycare, was nominated for the WeCare Wales Award for her “passion and dedication” for her work.
Sarah was put forward for the award by fellow Vale childminder Lee Walker-Metzelaar who said that Sarah has “all the time in the world” for the children she cares for.
The nomination read: “At her allotment in Barry, Sarah teaches children to plant, grow and harvest their own fruit and vegetables. With her Hygge Accreditation, she fosters a healthy relationship with food and nature.
“Sarah has helped parents access vital support for their children. She’s referred families to Flying Start to access parenting classes, extra health visits and play sessions at home.
“Sarah offers free childcare for an hour for parents so they can visit their GP for a smear test. Sarah also works with the local authority to support new childminders and promote training courses, and provides free mentoring evenings for childminders.”
In 2024, Sarah won Cymru Kids Clubs’s ‘Playworker of the year’ award for her commitment to learning and also won the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years Cymru Award.
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: “I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate Sarah Sharpe on this well-deserved award.
“The WeCare Wales award recognises those working in social care and early years settings in Wales who make a positive difference to people's lives and Sarah’s passion and unwavering commitment to children and families in the Vale of Glamorgan truly set her apart.
“From mentoring fellow childminders to supporting parents and nurturing a love of nature in young children, Sarah embodies the very best of what early years care can offer. This award is a wonderful celebration of her work.”