Lil Achievers Child Care Centre has taken out the award for consistently exceeding expectations for children with special needs and being inclusive of all children at the centre.

The centre got the nod for the award on Wednesday and has become the first in the region to boast the all inclusive sticker.

Lil Achivers team member Linda Gallagher told The Namoi Valley Independent receiving the award was very humbling. 

“I guess you could say this has been a really good reward for effort,” Mrs Gallagher said.

“We often go above-and-beyond what is expected of us here to ensure families with special needs kids have long-term child care options that exceed the government standard of five-hours per day.”

Mrs Gallagher said the centre takes great pride in offering families with special needs children somewhere to go.

“We have a very passionate hard-working staff here at Lil Achievers and they really do give it everything they have to ensure we deliver the best care possible,” she said.

“Here at the centre we offer long-day care, the impact that has on not just families with special needs kids but all families is massive.

“I mean five hours is not all that helpful for a family that also has to work, I mean it’s not even a full working day.

“So for us to offer them an option and give them somewhere to have their kids looked after is really great in my opinion.”

Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey was on hand to congratulate the team on their achievement and praised them on claiming the award.

“I think it is great to see a community business such as Lil Achievers getting this kind of recognition for their hard work,” Cr Chaffey said.

“What I also think is encouraging is to see Lil Achievers be almost at capacity in such a short amount of time after their expansion.”

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The centre has also been a recent recipient of council’s business partner program which helped expand the facility to accommodate more children.

“I think it is terrific to see the business partner program making such a significant impact in not just this business but in all of the businesses that have been involved,” Cr Chaffey said.

“To me it seems obvious that Lil Achievers is keeping an eye on the future needs of our community in regards to expansion, for that and the inclusion award, I congratulate them on their successes and ongoing commitment.”

Mrs Gallagher said the centre would continue to strive to give families an inclusive child care facility.

“In terms of paperwork for children with special needs it can be quite time consuming but we put in and get it done,” she said.

“For anyone in the position of having a special needs child in need of care or any child for that matter, I encourage them to come down the centre and have a look for themselves, we are always happy to help.”