We are looking to acknowledge and reward exceptional commitment to training and developing staff. The award could go to an outstanding business or nursery or individual who is making an exceptional contribution to enhancing training within the childcare sector.

Awarded to a nursery that is a single owned and run site (i.e. not part of a multiple group of owned nurseries) which has, in the view of the judges, created the very best environment to promote the highest levels of childcare, staff morale and business performance.

This award will be won by the nursery which has created an environment that most inspires and excites children. The entry will show how the nursery actively involves children in their learning, as well as celebrating their achievements.

This award will go to a Nursery Room Leader who shows the leadership skills required to provide a safe and stimulating environment for children, excellent ability to support and develop other team members, an ability to observe, assess and track children’s learning and development, someone who has a high degree of integrity and empathy when dealing with children and is an excellent verbal and written communicator.

This award will be made to a nursery who has shown exceptional contributions to their community. The judges will be looking for evidence of how the nursery goes out of its way to support its community by taking part in local activities. The nursery will also demonstrate how it actively involves staff, parents and children.

The nursery sector depends on the very best managers for its current and future success. This award will be won by the manager who has shown outstanding caring and business skills and leadership in developing a thriving, high quality nursery which delivers a superb environment for children, staff and parents.

This award will be given to an outstanding launch of a new nursery business since January 1^st 2022 or to a nursery or nursery group which has expanded significantly since January 1^st 2022.

The winning Operations or Area Manager will have demonstrated exceptional vision and leadership across the settings they are responsible for, enhancing the reputation and success of the Group as a whole.

This award will be made to a Chef or Cook in a nursery setting, who shows exceptional ability in providing well-balanced, nutritious and delicious food, that takes into account individual needs of children, giving special attention to allergies, sensitivities, cultures and food hygiene. Applicants will be asked to supply a genuine 2 course menu from the nursery at the ‘Virtual Cook Off’ as well as supplying an example of a weekly menu plan created within the last three months.

This Award will be made to an outstanding Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) who has shown an exceptional commitment to the sensitive assessment of children with possible SEN and the skilled planning, delivery and monitoring of SEN care. A proven interest in training and providing support for colleagues and parents will be considered essential.

Good nutrition is essential during childhood, as it is a time of development and increased activity. This award will recognise the best programme for teaching children to cook and learn about nutrition. The judges will be looking for a nursery setting that has demonstrated exceptional commitment in giving children an enjoyable introduction to healthy food and food education.

This award will be made to the nursery which has, in the view of the judges, created an outdoor ‘living classroom’ that inspires and excites children. Activities that promote physical well-being, creativity and first-hand learning experiences will be sought.

This award will be won by the nursery which has demonstrated exceptional efforts to boost parent engagement. Parent involvement helps extend teaching and learning outside of the nursery and creates a positive experience for children. The nursery will be able to show examples of how they involve parents and the benefits from it.

This award recognises the outstanding childcare provided by a Nursery Nurse/Childcare Practitioner. The childcare will include warmth, equality, responsibility, safety, fairness and being supportive in all relationships involving the children, parents and organisation.

This award will be made to the forest or beach school/kindergarten which can demonstrate their focus on developing personal, social and emotional life skills through learner led, nature-based learning. The entry will show how children are inspired creatively with activities and experiences with an outdoor approach.

We’re looking for the person whose great personality and energy has made a real difference in their own setting in ways which are truly inspiring and memorable. This person will actively promote excellent care for their children, peace of mind for parents and a happy working environment.

This award will go to a technology/software product that has delivered an exceptional service to nurseries. Judges will be looking for the technology/software product that can demonstrate the ways in which it has enhanced the efficiency of nursery settings while offering value for money.

This award recognises an innovative product that has made a significant contribution to the early years sector. Entries must outline how the use of their product has supported nurseries, its children and staff. A ‘new’ product is one which has been in the marketplace for two years or less.

Apprenticeships help shape successful careers and businesses. In the early years sector, childcare apprenticeships provide an exciting opportunity to grow within a nursery or group and develop the right skills and knowledge to take the next career steps. This award will recognise the group that has shown exceptional commitment and contribution to its apprenticeship scheme.

This award will go to the nursery team that has developed and maintained an excellent standard of childcare showing exceptional group values and a commitment to working together for the common good.

This award is open to nursery groups with between two to nine UK settings and is designed to recognise a forward thinking group which has shown outstanding success in delivering high quality childcare, well-trained and motivated staff, inspirational values, focus across the group and financial success.

This award is open to nursery groups with ten or more UK settings and is designed to recognise a forward thinking group which has shown outstanding success in delivering high quality childcare, well-trained and motivated staff, inspirational values, focus across the group and financial success.

This award will recognise the commitment and enthusiasm of a new nursery that has entered the sector within the last 12 months. Judges will be looking for evidence of strong business performance goals and a positive ethos towards staff development and wellbeing and of course, a priority for delivering high quality childcare to its community. Applicants for this award can come from either a new nursery opened by an established group or from a first-time setting that has opened.

A strong and supportive management team is essential for the future success and growth of nursery settings. We are searching for that exceptional deputy manager who is always present to support the team and their manager. This individual will have demonstrated outstanding leadership and communication skills and commits everyday to creating an inclusive and transparent workplace.

An independent panel will select an individual who they feel have made an outstanding contribution to the nursery sector.  The person chosen will be contacted before the awards ceremony and notified that they have won the award which will be announced on the night.