Newport Nursery Named Best in Wales by NDNA

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A Newport-based childcare centre has been awarded the prestigious title of Nursery of the Year for Wales by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), recognising its outstanding commitment to early years education and care.

Bellevue Nursery in Newport earned the top honour during a ceremony held in Liverpool on Friday, 6 June. The award was given following a thorough selection process that included a written nomination, an on-site visit by a member of the judging panel, and a submitted video capturing the nursery’s day-to-day environment and ethos.

Deputy Manager Lucy Russell, who put the nursery forward for the award, praised her colleagues for their continuous dedication to the children and families they serve. “I nominated our nursery because I genuinely believe our team goes above and beyond every single day, always putting the children at the centre of everything we do,” she said. “I just wanted the whole team to have the recognition they so deserve for all their hard work, passion, and dedication.”

Nursery Manager Nicola Geoghegan, who has led the team for over two decades, expressed pride in the achievement. “After 21 years here, I couldn’t be prouder to lead a team that gives so much every single day. It’s an honour to work with such a dedicated group who genuinely want the best for every child.”

Due to staffing ratio requirements, the Bellevue team was unable to attend the awards ceremony in person. Instead, they waited over the weekend to hear the outcome, learning of their win the following Monday. “We spent the weekend anxiously refreshing the internet, desperate to find out the result, and the joy on Monday was unforgettable,” the team shared in a joint statement.

Elizabeth McNamara, owner of Bellevue Nursery, credited the success to the professionalism and drive of her staff. “Every successful business relies on a dedicated team, and at Bellevue Nursery, we are fortunate to have exactly that. Their hard work and commitment are what drive our success. This award is well-deserved recognition of the outstanding work they do every day.”

The NDNA, which stands for the National Day Nurseries Association, is a UK-wide organisation representing children’s nurseries and advocating for quality early years care. The Nursery of the Year award highlights institutions that exemplify excellence, compassion, and innovation in early education.

Bellevue Nursery’s recognition reflects not only a strong internal culture of care and professionalism but also the wider importance of celebrating high standards within the early years sector.