WIND in the Willows Day Nurseries of Newton-Le-Willows and Haydock have been highlighted by St Helens Chamber as leading examples of learning and development in the workplace.

The nurseries provide childcare facilities for children between the ages of three months and five years, and after-school care.

Wind in the Willows has been successful in the re-accreditation of the Investors in People Award. This was highlighted when the inspector praised the company and stated: "Evidence of formal and informal processes and positive responses in employee interviews confirmed an excellent company with clear and strong management."

This accolade was highlighted further when the company successfully passed Ofsted inspections at all their sites.

The levels of attainment from the staff at Wind in the Willows has been highly impressive with many of the staff going on to achieve qualifications in NVQ Level 3 Early Years Care & Education, which have been achieved through their own assessment centre, accredited by the City and Guilds.

training & Development Level 3 and Key Skills and Apprenticeship in management are being undertaken with St Helens Chamber and Team Enterprises of Rainford. These qualifications will enable Wind in the Willows to carry out assessment and verification in the workplace.

The training success of Wind in the Willows can be attributed mainly to the business and people management skills of Ginny and Neil Taylor and the expert advice and guidance of St Helens Chamber Training Services Team.

Ginny Taylor stated: "We believe that all our staff should have the opportunity to continually develop their skills and experience to realise their full potential."

St Helens Chamber's Training Manager, Joe O'Rourke, commented: "A large part of the chamber's role is to help companies remain competitive. We must recognise that the efforts of the local workforce and their employers make all the difference to the overall success of the area.

"The people at Wind in the Willows have set a good example, not only for their fellow colleagues, but also throughout St Helens."