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TheBestof Sudbury is proud to announce that its members have been recognised as finalists in the prestigious Suffolk Education Awards 2023. In the highly competitive category of 'Early Years Provider of the Year', sponsored by Suffolk County Council, Woodpeckers Private Nursery on Melford Road, Sudbury has emerged as a standout finalist.
The Suffolk Education Awards, a hallmark of excellence in education, celebrate the exceptional contributions of educators and institutions across the county. The awards ceremony took place on 9th November 2023 at Venue 16 in Ipswich, marking a special evening of recognition and celebration for those shaping the future of education in Suffolk.
At the awards night, finalists were welcomed with a drinks reception, setting the stage for an evening of festivity and acknowledgement. A buffet meal preceded the award ceremony, where the achievements of each finalist were celebrated. The event concluded with the announcement of winners, who were awarded trophies, certificates, and champagne (or chocolates for under 18s). Finalists, including Woodpeckers Nursery, received certificates to commemorate their outstanding contributions.
Woodpeckers Nursery, a member of TheBestof Sudbury, has been a beacon of excellence in early years education for over twenty three years. Under the dedicated leadership of owners Deirdre and Jeff Micklewright, the nursery has established itself as a premier institution, providing high-quality childcare and preschool education. The nursery creates a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, and grow, supported by a team of caring staff. With a focus on holistic development, the nursery offers various learning areas such as Busy Bees, Curious Caterpillars, and Bright Butterflies, catering to different age groups. The activities are diverse, ranging from music and outdoor adventures to visiting care homes in Sudbury and Colchester, and litter picks with the Sudbury Community Wardens. All this ensuring a well-rounded experience for the children.
Jeff, the owner of Woodpeckers Nursery, expressed his gratitude and pride: "When we were notified about these awards, we were delighted to have been nominated by the parents of children at our nursery. It was a great surprise, but we feel very grateful that our parents rate Woodpeckers so highly. The judges' comments based on the parents' views were very complimentary. Being part of the awards as finalists in our sector was a proud moment for us, recognising the hard work and commitment of our staff in making Woodpeckers a happy and caring environment. Early Years is a critical part of a child's life, and we strive to make this the best for each individual child and support the families that entrust their child's care and education to us. The wellbeing of parents, children and staff is also supported. Being a finalist from a huge number of entries is an honour and testament to our dedication."
Woodpeckers Nursery's commitment to excellence extends beyond educational programmes to include nursery trips to the seaside, visits to a local care home, , nutritious meal plans, and a strong partnership with families. Their approach to early years education sets a benchmark in the sector, demonstrating the impactful role of early years providers in a child's development.
The recognition of Woodpeckers Nursery as a finalist in the Suffolk Education Awards 2023 is a moment of pride for TheBestof Sudbury and the broader educational community in Suffolk. It underscores the importance of quality early years education and celebrates the unwavering dedication of educators who shape the futures of our youngest learners.
