Welcome to the Nursery World Awards 

It’s time to step into the early years spotlight.

This year we have 26 award categories that celebrate best practice and recognise the sector’s most important asset – its people.

These prestigious awards are open to everyone involved in childcare and education and will highlight the inspirational work that goes on, even when times are tough.

Our winners are chosen by a distinguished panel of expert judges that is representative of the diversity of disciplines and organisations that make up the sector. The judges will have the knowledge and experience to assess each entry according to its objectives and available resources and budget.

If you would like to have a look at our magazine article for the Nursery World Awards 2022, please click here: https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/article/nursery-world-awards-2022-the-winners-revealed

We are now officially closed for entries.

We feel so proud to have been recognised nationally by the Nursery World Awards, we take great pride in our food and mealtimes, it’s something we are passionate about and are thrilled to be recognised for this. The sense of pride and achievement for the whole team was amazing. It has given parents, and prospective parents, confidence that they are thrilled to know that we are providing their children with award-winning food and that our team are so passionate about providing healthy foods and the importance of mealtimes. The ceremony was great fun, even in the current circumstances, it was accessible to the whole team which made it even more special. Thank you again, for the recognition! - Rebecca Heenan, Deputy Manager

Elmscot Broussa Day Nursery, Winner, Initiatives - Nursery Food Award 2020

It is a real honour to be selected for an award and helps to support our reputation for excellence around the delivery of our training. The award also gives providers some assurance that our trainers are of the highest calibre. As an organisation we work hard to develop engaging training packages to empower parents and practitioners with sleep knowledge. I'm incredibly proud of the award and would encourage other organisations to submit their applications, it provided a welcome boost to morale for us all at The Sleep Charity. - Vicki Dawson, CEO & Founder

The Sleep Charity, Winner, Individuals - Trainer of the Year 2020

Having worked in the early years sector for over 30 years, it came as an enormous surprise and joy to be the winner of the Nursery World Manager of the Year in 2019. With so much excellent early years practice across the country, it was such an honour to be selected for this award and I have to pay tribute to all those in our wonderful team for their dedication and support over the 5 years since Little Adventurers began. This amazing recognition of practice that seeks to give children a voice within the learning environment has been noticed by parents and prospective parents alike and has increased our profile and reputation within our local community. - Ginny Andreas, Nursery Manager

Ginny Andreas, Nursery Manager, Little Adventurers in Upminster, Winner, Nursery Manager of the year 2019

To be part of the Nursery World awards 2020 was an honour and a lovely celebration after what has been a very difficult year for us all, 2020 has been a year we will never forget but for me what has shone through is the passion flexibility and enjoyment in Early Years and the love for every child to ensure they can access exactly what they need! My team as always were overjoyed to see Rob win this award and the feedback from parents has been amazing. The parents have sent messages to me saying they feel privileged that their child can access our setting. I am so incredibly proud of Rob to win this award and gain the recognition he truly deserves. Rob is a loyal, hardworking and committed member of our team and brings unique skills and qualities which enhance experiences for all children. I am sure the celebrations will continue when restrictions have lifted! - Helen Bowlby, Nursery Manager

Robert Sherrington, Spring by Action for Children - Bensham, Winner, Nursery Practitioner of the Year 2020

It is a truly humbling to have received this award. Just to be recognised and nominated by colleagues was humbling, but to be shortlisted as a finalist and to win, is just incredible. I have worked in the sector since I was 18, and it has always been my passion to make a difference to every child’s life that I encounter – even just a smile goes along with for some. Moving into management, and senior management I continue to instil this passion but now in others. Being a leader to me is about being inspirational, a role model, striving for excellence and being proud of the work we do with Action for Children. My own work ethic is commitment and working hard, and in being presented this award, consolidates this. I am not only being an inspiration professionally but also to my own children! I have been overwhelmed by the amount of congratulations. Accepting the award and celebrating on the night with my work family is something I will remember for years to come!

Sharon Thompson, Spring by Action For Children, Winner, Nursery Operations / Area Manager of the Year Award 2022

It is incredible for us to win this award as our whole ethos revolves around providing enabling environments and has been for over 25 years. Our families are delighted to share in our win and it was very special for us to be able to bring the staff team who create magic for our children every day to receive the award. I would really recommend entering the nursery world awards; your staff team will feel a huge sense of pride, families will be incredibly supportive and the event itself is fantastic!

Ashbridge Nursery Hutton, Winner, Enabling Environments Award 2022

Winning the award was such a confidence boost for our team and I have seen a change in the dynamic of the group. This confidence and pride has really united the team! I would recommend to other settings to apply for the nursery world awards. Writing the applications really makes you think about what services you offer to families and whether you can make any improvements. It gives you the opportunity to gain feedback and ideas from your team, parents and other agencies. It is a brilliant reflective tool and can be a confidence boost if you are shortlisted.

Grass Roots Private Day Nursery, Winner, Team Development Award 2022

For the past two years, which have been very challenging due to additional pressures of the pandemic, we have been relentless to bring about change and continually reflect on and think about ideas of how we could get our families involved in their children’s learning and the nursery life. That included ensuring parents felt that we were able to care for their precious children safely, under given circumstances, giving them reassurance and always going the extra mile, sometimes doubting we can actually do it. But we kept reminding ourselves of our purpose and values, remembering each child and their family deserved the best and this national recognition just rewarded the hard work, passion and commitment that we show day in and day out. Thank you so much!

Elmscot Day Nursery Chester, Winner, Working with Parents Award 2022