Portsmouth nursery wins award for helping kids communicate

The Willows Centre for Children in Portsmouth has been highly commended in the Early Years Setting of the Year category at the Shine a Light Awards in London.

It was commended for developing its children’s communication skills.

The Willows, in Battenburg Avenue, has many children with extra needs. Speech, language and communication are a daily practice with the centre being supported by a speech and language therapist and a full-time speech and language therapy assistant.

Headteacher Margaret Dunford said: ‘It is wonderful for us to be recognised by this award for the impact we have on children’s speech, language and communication.’

Singer and former Pop Idol contestant Gareth Gates, who hosted the awards, added: ‘The dedication of the Willows is outstanding. It is heart-warming to know children are getting the support they need.

‘They should be extremely proud of their award.’