A LOCAL playgroup has been recognised as one of the very best in the county after taking home a top award at a Gloucestershire ceremony.

Yorkley Playgroup was named Setting of the Year at the PATA Awards, held at the Pavilion in Cheltenham on Tuesday, February 3.

The accolade is a significant achievement for the small, community-run setting, which supports around 40 children from Yorkley and surrounding villages including Lydney, Bream and Blakeney.

The awards celebrate excellence in early years education across Gloucestershire and beyond, with a particular focus on recognising smaller and independent settings that often operate behind the scenes. More than 90 guests attended the evening, which was held alongside PATA’s annual general meeting.

Yorkley Playgroup impressed judges with its outstanding standards of care, learning and community involvement. The group was rated ‘Outstanding’ overall by Ofsted at its most recent inspection, with inspectors praising all areas of its provision.

Manager Sophie Thorne, who has led the playgroup since November 2015, said the award was a huge honour for the team and a reflection of their commitment to children and families in the area.

Based in a rural Forest of Dean setting, the playgroup works closely with Yorkley School and Parkend School, with both playgroups located on school grounds to support smooth transitions into primary education.

Staff pride themselves on delivering an inspiring and nurturing curriculum, built around children’s interests and individual needs. The playgroup places a strong emphasis on wellbeing, believing that happy and motivated children are best placed to succeed.

PATA organisers said the quality of nominations this year was exceptional, highlighting the passion, skill and dedication shown across the early years sector.

For Yorkley Playgroup, the award is not only a moment of celebration but recognition of the vital role it plays within the local community.