A WELSH nursery has achieved gold star status.

Cylch Meithrin Y Llys, Prestatyn, has been awarded North Wales’ First Gold Star Standard.

The Welsh medium setting celebrated being the first Cylch Meithrin in North Wales, and only the third throughout Wales, to attain Mudiad Meithrin’s Safonau Serennog Aur (Gold Star Standard) in its new quality mark scheme.

Rhyl Journal:

Laura Farrell, Assistant; Helen Gilmore, Manager and Joint Leader; Ann Begley, Joint Leader; Delyth Williams, Assistant at Cylch Meithrin Y Llys, Prestatyn

Celebrations included a concert by the children and a visit by Mudiad Meithrin’s unique character, Dewin, as well as Mudiad Meithrin’s chief executive, Dr Gwenllïan Lansdown Davies.

Dr Gwenllïan Lansdown Davies, Mudiad Meithrin chief executive, said: "Safonau Serennog sets a baseline in terms of the quality of service and expectations regarding the Welsh language policy at the Cylch Meithrin. Consequently, all Cylchoedd therefore have a Bronze Star Standard.

"To be awarded a Silver Star Standard, the cylch must apply by submitting a portfolio for assessment by a panel of Mudiad Meithrin experts.

"The gold star standard is awarded following an inspection by an independent inspector at the Cylch Meithrin."

The aim of the Safonau Serennog scheme is to encourage Welsh-medium playgroups, parent/carer baby and toddler groups and day nurseries to develop, innovate and raise the quality and standard of their services for young children and families through a three-tier system – bronze, silver and gold.

The success of Cylch Meithrin Y Llys follows those of Cylch Meithrin Felinfoel and Cylch Meithrin Carwe in Carmarthenshire, who also attained Gold Star status during the last 12 months.