Playgroups celebrate being awarded top Early Years accolades

Two playgroups in Co Derry are celebrating after being recognised by Early Years – the organisation for young children.

ToberTinys Community Playgroup in Tobermore has been awarded their Quality Accreditation while Lavey Early Years Group has received the HighScope Accreditation.

They were presented with their awards by the Minister for Education, Peter Weir.

Playgroup leader of ToberTinys Hilary McKenzie said: “I am delighted for our staff Clare Montgomery, Judith Wilson and myself.

“We have worked hard and are delighted to have received this award in recognition of the commitment and dedication we apply to our work setting.

“The education and care of the children in our setting is paramount and we value the support and input we receive from the active members in our management committee.

“I would also like to thank the parents and the community who have supported ToberTinys for the past 15 years.

“We have flourished over these years with the community involvement ensuring the children are strong, competent and visible in the village of Tobermore and beyond.”

Photo shows Peter Weir, Minister of Education, at the awards ceremony with (from left) Mairead McGill, Dette O’Neill, Zoe Marron, Geraldine Scullion and Maureen Bradley.