William Gladstone Childcare, Newark, manager Davina Weir invited to Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

A nursery manager who goes ‘above and beyond’ for children in her care has attended a royal garden party.

Davina Weir, manager at William Gladstone Childcare, in Newark, was invited to attend the The Education and Skills Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 14.

The party celebrated those working in education across the UK, and highlighted Davina’s never-ending support for the children and families at the nursery, and her dedication to her role as manager.

She has worked at the nursery for more than 20 years, and has been manager for more than 15 years.

Davina was nominated to receive the invitation to the garden party by Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, the charity that owns and manages the nursery, in recognition of her dedication to supporting children and families who are the most in need through her work at William Gladstone Childcare.

Davina went to the party — which was attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla — with her son-in-law Luke Watson.

Davina said: “I do what I do because I am passionate about making a difference to children and their families’ futures, so to say I was extremely surprised when I was nominated would be an understatement.

“Walking through the Palace gates and knowing that I was there because of my passion for the work that I do was one of the proudest achievements of my life.

“It was such a privilege to be nominated and attend the Educational Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. It’s an experience I am not likely to forget anytime soon.”

Her daughter Carrie added: “On the day she was absolutely glowing.

“She’s amazing, she’ll do anything for anyone. She’s had children who’ve come to the nursery non-verbal and she’d helped them get talking, and she goes above and beyond to get the children ready for school.

“She goes the extra mile for every child.”

Under Davina’s management the nursery has secured numerous five-star reviews from parents — with many saying they’ll miss it when their children move on to school.

To celebrate the invitation, the nursery has also held it’s very own royal garden party so the children could join in on the fun too.

Helen Woolf, children’s services manager for Nottinghamshire at the Early Years Alliance, said: “As Davina’s line manager, it is an absolute pleasure to be able to share in the successes of, and to see her and her team at William Gladstone Childcare receive well-deserved recognition for all their hard work.

“It is clear to me that this is more than just a job to Davina, and she is wholeheartedly dedicated to supporting not only the children that attend, but also their families.

“She has built such strong relationships of trust with these families, that the nursery has been attended by many of the younger siblings of children who have previously attended. I know the nursery is always striving to deliver the best possible care to the children and to serve the needs of the community.”