EditorEmma Thomas is at the helm at Orbis Education and Care’s Dan-y-Coed in Swansea, which caters for youngsters with autism and learning disabilities.
The 41-year-old runs a team of creative education, care and therapeutic professionals who help children feel safe and respected, whilst providing bright and colourful child-friendly environments in which to learn, live and make friends.
It is her dedication over the last seven years that earned her a place in the final of the major national competition – the 2024 Wales Care Awards, sponsored by Ontex Healthcare.
The glitzy presentation ceremony was held at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff and was hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.
The mum-of-two from Penclawdd was shortlisted for the Peter Clarke Award for Promoting Excellence in Services for Children and Young People, sponsored by Morgan LaRoche Solicitors and was delighted to scoop Silver.
The awards are held in association with Care Forum Wales, a not-for-profit organisation set up in 1993 to give independent care providers a single professional voice with which to speak on one of the most important issues of our time – how to provide better quality care for those who need it most.
Emma was hailed for helping children simply be themselves, creating lasting memories of childhood as they develop into independent young people and adults.
It was Director of Education, Lucy Pottinger who nominated Emma for the accolade said:
“Emma has been working at Dan-y-Coed since it opened in 2017 and this year she has experienced the joy of seeing her very first pupil transition to a mainstream school full-time, which is an incredible achievement and demonstrates her strength and determination to help her pupils.
“Emma and her team devised a support plan to help him pursue his wish to go to mainstream school. Emma developed a strong team of learning support staff, teachers and clinical therapists, including a behaviour specialist, to help him gradually break down behavioural barriers and build trust with staff.
“She helped him understand that they would stick by him through tough times. Small classes with a bespoke curriculum unique to him proved invaluable and were the key to his success.”
“It is very rare for pupils to go from an independent specialist school to a mainstream placement and Emma should be proud of the progress her very first pupil has made.
“The fact she oversaw a team that has helped the young man fulfil his dream of going to a mainstream school deserves recognition.”
Ahead of the ceremony, Emma said:
“Being shortlisted for this award is a privilege. There are so many people across Wales who do outstanding work in our field, and I hope that I can represent them proudly.
“Knowing that I have helped others in a way that has positively influenced their lives, and the lives of those close to them, is a feeling that you can never forget.”
Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the standard of entries was extremely high and added:
“There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.
“I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights and in the months and years to come.
“This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales. We take our hats off to them.”
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