Nursery of the Year

Open to registered settings offering full daycare for children from 0-5 (private, voluntary or maintained sector), which have an Outstanding grade (or equivalent). Your nursery should display excellence in every aspect of care, learning and development for all children; provide inspirational environments; have an exemplary approach to staff development; and foster warm, supportive relationships with parents and carers.

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name and location of setting
• Type of provision
• Number of places
• Age range of children
• Name of manager/head (qualifications held)
• Number of staff
• Website link

Describe your setting’s approach to care, learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage or equivalent, explaining how you meet the needs of individual children and giving examples of innovative and inspiring practice in a truly enabling environment (up to 400 words)

Describe how the staff team is supported to develop knowledge, skills and practice through training, mentoring and leadership. How do you retain staff and ensure career progression? (up to 300 words)

How do you involve a) children’s views b) parents and c) the local community in your provision? (up to 300 words)

Give a brief summary of how you would like to develop your service in the future. What areas of provision do you want to develop? How do you intend to evolve while maintaining the highest quality?  (up to 200 words)

Summarise the strengths of your setting and why you believe it should win this award. What makes your nursery special? (up to 200 words)

Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Provide a link to your most recent inspection report

Provide brief supporting statements from two parents who use your provision

If applicable, provide a brief supporting statement from your early years advisor or similar

Give details of any quality assurance scheme, Investors in People award etc. that you hold

Provide up to five photos that represent your entry

 

Please note that after preliminary screening, it may be determined by the judges that a site visit is necessary to determine a winner.

Nursery Group of the Year

Open to UK nursery groups with three or more settings. Your group should be a well-run business, which displays excellence in every aspect of care, learning and development for all children; provides inspirational environments; has an exemplary approach to staff development; and fosters warm, supportive relationships with parents and carers

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Number of nurseries and location (eg nationwide, Midlands)
• Total number of registered places
• Age range of children
• Number of staff
• Website link

What makes your nursery group a well-run, successful business with a consistent approach? How do you ensure your business is financially sustainable while offering an excellent service?  (up to 400 words)

How do you ensure high-quality care and education across the group? Explain how you meet the needs of individual children and give examples of innovative and inspiring practice in a truly enabling environment (up to 400 words)

Describe your approach to staff development. How do you recruit and retain the best people? What training, mentoring and opportunities for career progression do you offer staff? (up to 300 words)

Give a brief summary of your group’s plans for development. What areas of provision do you want to develop? How do you intend to grow while maintaining the highest quality? (up to 200 words)

Summarise the strengths of your organisation and why it should win this award. What makes your nursery group special? (up to 200 words)

Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Provide a link to at least one recent inspection report

Provide brief supporting statements from two parents who use your provision

Give details of any quality assurance scheme, Investors in People award etc. that you hold

Provide up to five photos that represent your entry

Pre-School of the Year

Open to registered settings offering sessional care and education. Your pre-school should display excellence in every aspect of care, learning and development for all children; provide inspirational environments; have an exemplary approach to staff development; and foster warm, supportive relationships with parents and carers.

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name and location of setting
• Type of provision
• Number of places
• Age range of children
• Name of manager/head (qualifications held)
• Number of staff
• Website link

Describe your setting’s approach to care, learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage or equivalent, explaining how you meet the needs of individual children and giving examples of innovative and inspiring practice in a truly enabling environment (up to 400 words)

Describe how the staff team is supported to develop knowledge, skills and practice through training, mentoring and leadership. How do you retain staff and ensure career progression? (up to 300 words)

How do you involve a) children’s views b) parents and c) the local community in your provision? (up to 300 words)

Give a brief summary of how you would like to develop your service in the future. What areas of provision do you want to develop? How do you intend to evolve while maintaining the highest quality?  (up to 200 words)

Summarise the strengths of your setting and why you believe it should win this award. What makes your pre-school special? (up to 200 words)

Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Provide a link to your most recent inspection report

Provide brief supporting statements from two parents who use your provision

If applicable, provide a brief supporting statement from your early years advisor or similar

Give details of any quality assurance scheme, Investors in People award etc. that you hold

Provide up to five photos that represent your entry

Early Years in School Award

For Early Years Foundation Stage or equivalent provision in primary schools which have developed high-quality practice for nursery and Reception children. This should display excellence in every aspect of care, learning and development for all children; provide inspirational environments; have an exemplary approach to staff development; and foster warm, supportive relationships with parents and carers.

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name and location of school
• Type of provision
• Number of places
• Age range of children
• Name of manager/head (qualifications held)
• Number of staff
• Website lnk

Describe your setting’s approach to care, learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage or equivalent, explaining how you meet the needs of individual children and giving examples of innovative and inspiring practice in a truly enabling environment (up to 400 words)

Describe how the staff team is supported to develop knowledge, skills and practice through training, mentoring and leadership (up to 300 words)

How do you involve a) children’s views b) parents and c) the local community in your provision? (up to 300 words)

Give a brief summary of how you would like to develop your provision in the future. What areas do you want to develop? How do you intend to evolve while maintaining the highest quality?  (up to 200 words)

Summarise the strengths of your school early years provision and why you believe it should win this award. What makes your school special? (up to 200 words)

Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Provide a link to your most recent inspection report

Provide brief supporting statements from two parents who use your provision

If applicable, provide a brief supporting statement from your early years advisor or similar

Give details of any quality assurance scheme, Investors in People award etc. that you hold

Provide up to five photos that represent your entry

Childminding Business of the Year

Open to settings where registered childminders are working with other childminders and/or assistants, including those registered as ‘childcare on domestic premises’. Your service should display excellence in every aspect of care, learning and development for all children; provide inspirational environments; and foster warm, supportive relationships with parents and carers.

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name and location of setting
• Type of provision
• Number of places
• Age range of children
• Name of manager (qualifications held)
• Number of staff
• Website link

Describe your setting’s approach to care, learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage or equivalent, explaining how you meet the needs of individual children and giving examples of innovative and inspiring practice in a truly enabling environment (up to 400 words)

Describe how the staff team develops its knowledge, skills and practice (up to 300 words)

How do you involve a) children’s views b) parents and c) the local community in your provision? (up to 300 words)

Give a brief summary of how you would like to develop your provision in the future. What areas do you want to develop? How do you intend to evolve while maintaining the highest quality?  (up to 200 words)

Summarise the strengths of your childminding business and why you believe it should win this award. What makes your setting special? (up to 200 words)

Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Provide a link to your most recent inspection report

Provide brief supporting statements from two parents who use your provision

If applicable, provide a brief supporting statement from your early years advisor or similar

Give details of any quality assurance scheme, Investors in People award etc. that you hold

Provide up to five photos that represent your entry

Nursery Manager of the Year

Open to any nursery manager in a full daycare or sessional setting who displays exemplary leadership and management skills in running their setting and providing the best possible service for children, families and staff

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name of nominee
• Job title
• Name and location of setting
• Website link

Describe the role of the nominee, their responsibilities, and their approach to their job. (up to 300 words)

Give specific examples of how your nominee's work has made a difference to children, families, colleagues and staff, and has improved outcomes for them. Explain how they have contributed to the success of the setting through their leadership and management (up to 500 words)

Why does this person deserve to win the award? What is truly special about your nominee, and how do they exceed the expectations of their role? (up to 300 words)

Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Give details of nominee's qualifications, training, awards etc.

Provide two brief supporting statements from parents, senior managers or colleagues etc.

You must provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

Nursery Operations / Area Manager of the Year

Open to senior employees of nursery groups working across some or all of the company’s settings, who display exemplary leadership and management skills in enabling consistent high quality across the nurseries for the benefit of children, families, staff and the group

 
The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name of nominee
• Job title
• Name and locations of settings
• Website link

 
Describe the role of the nominee, their responsibilities, and their approach to their job. (up to 300 words)

Give specific examples of how your nominee's work has made a difference to children, families, staff, and the group as a whole, and has improved outcomes for them. Explain how they have contributed to the success of the settings they oversee through their leadership and management (up to 500 words)

Why does this person deserve to win the award? What is truly special about your nominee, and how do they exceed the expectations of their role? (up to 300 words)

Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Give details of nominee's qualifications, training, awards etc.

Provide two brief supporting statements from parents, senior managers or colleagues etc.

You must provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

Covid-19 Hero Award

Open to anyone working in early years whose response to the challenges of the pandemic, lockdowns and restrictions has been truly outstanding in supporting children, families and staff

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name of nominee
• Job title and establishment
• Email address for nominee
• Name of person nominating (if different)

Provision (no more than 400 words for each part to be submitted via eventsforce only).

• Briefly describe the role of the nominee and their work meeting the pandemic’s challenges (400 words)
• Give examples of how your nominee’s work has made a difference to children, families and/or colleagues (400 words)
• Why does this person deserve to win the award? If self-nominating please tell us why you believe you deserve to win the award and what winning would mean to you. (400 words)

Supporting evidence

• Give details of nominee’s qualifications, training, awards etc.
• Provide two brief supporting statements from parents, manager or colleagues etc.
• Provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos

Nursery Practitioner of the Year

Open to any qualified practitioner (Level 2 and above) working in an early years setting, in the maintained, private or voluntary sectors, including early years educators, room leaders, deputy managers, graduate practitioners and early years teachers.

 
The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name of nominee
• Job title
• Name and location of setting

 
Describe the role of the nominee, their responsibilities, and their approach to their job. (up to 300 words)

Give specific examples of how your nominee's work has made a difference to children, families, colleagues, and the setting as a whole, and has improved outcomes for them. Explain how they seek to improve their skills, knowledge and practice and develop their career (up to 500 words)

Why does this person deserve to win the award? What is truly special about your nominee, and how do they exceed the expectations of their role? (up to 300 words)

Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Give details of nominee's qualifications, training, awards etc.

Provide two brief supporting statements from parents, manager or colleagues etc.

You must provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

Childminder of the Year

Open to registered childminders. You/your nominee should provide a well-run service; display excellence in every aspect of care, learning and development for all children; provide inspirational environments; and foster warm, supportive relationships with parents, carers, other childminders and your local community.

 
The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name of nominee
• Job title
• Location of setting
• Website link

Describe the role of the nominee, how you/they run their service, and your/their approach to the job. (up to 300 words)

Give specific examples of how you/your nominee's work has made a difference to children and families and has improved outcomes for them. Have you/your nominee supported other childminders? How have you/your nominee built relationships in your community? Explain how you/they seek to improve skills, knowledge and practice (up to 500 words)

Why do you/your nominee deserve to win the award? What is truly special about you/your nominee, and how do you/they exceed the expectations of a childminder’s role? (up to 300 words)


Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Give details of nominee's qualifications, training, awards etc.

Provide two brief supporting statements from parents, colleagues, local authority advisor etc.

Provide a copy of your latest inspection report.

You must provide up to five photos that represent your entry.

Trainer of the Year

Open to an individual or team responsible for early years and childcare training in colleges, training companies, as a consultant or in-house for nursery groups etc.
The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name of nominee/s
• Job title
• Name and location of organisation
• Website link (if applicable)

Describe the role of the nominee/s, the training they deliver and their approach to the job (up to 300 words)

Give specific examples of how your nominee’s/nominees’ work has made a difference to those they train, improving their skills, knowledge and practice. How does this improve outcomes for the children and families those they train work with? How have they influenced early years practice in their own or others’ settings or in the sector more widely? How do they continue to improve their own skills? (up to 500 words)

Why does this person/team deserve to win the award? Why are they special and inspiring? How do they exceed the expectations for their role? (up to 300 words)

Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Give details of nominee’s qualifications, training, awards etc.

Provide two brief supporting statements from students/trainees, colleagues, managers, etc.

Provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos).

Newcomer of the Year

Open to early years practitioners who started working in the early years sector since 1st January 2020

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name of nominee
• Job title and establishment
• Email address for nominee
• Name of person nominating (if different)

Provision (no more than 400 words for each part to be submitted via eventsforce only).

• Briefly describe the role of the nominee (400 words)
• Give examples of how your nominee’s work has made a difference to children, families and/or colleagues (400 words)
• Why does this person deserve to win the award? If self-nominating please tell us why you believe you deserve to win the award and what winning would mean to you. (400 words)

Supporting evidence

• Give details of nominee’s qualifications, training, awards etc.
• Provide two brief supporting statements from parents, manager or colleagues etc.
• Provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

Nanny of the Year

Open to any qualified or experienced nanny (minimum 5 years experience if not qualified)

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name of nominee
• Job title and establishment
• Email address for nominee
• Name of person nominating (if different

Nomination (no more than 400 words for each part to be submitted via eventsforce).

• Briefly describe the role of the nominee (400 words)
• Give examples of how the nominee’s work has made a difference to the children and their family (400 words)
• Why does this person deserve to win the award? (400 words).  If self-nominating please tell us why you believe you deserve to win the award and what winning would mean to you

Supporting evidence

• Give details of nominee's qualifications, training, awards etc. Nannies must have at least one of the following:

             - Childcare / early years qualification – NCQ 3 or equivalent
             - DBS Check
             - On the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register

• Provide two brief supporting statements from parents, manager or colleagues etc.

Outstanding Contribution

For an ‘unsung hero’ – an early years practitioner whose long service and dedication in day-to-day work with young children are truly inspiring.

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name of nominee
• Job title
• Name and location of setting/service

Describe the role of the nominee, their responsibilities, their career to date, and their approach to their job (up to 300 words)

Give specific examples of how your nominee's work has made a difference to children, families, colleagues, and the setting/service as a whole, and has improved outcomes for them. Explain their dedication to and passion for their work. How have they sought to improve their skills, knowledge and practice throughout their career (up to 500 words)

Why does this person deserve to win the award? What is truly special about your nominee, and how have they exceeded the expectations of their role over a significant time? (up to 300 words)


Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Give details of nominee's qualifications, training, awards etc.

Provide two brief supporting statements from parents, manager or colleagues etc.
 
You must provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

Early Years Apprentice of the Year (New Category)

Open to those undertaking an early years apprenticeship at any level, who show particular promise to be a star practitioner of the future

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name of nominee
• Job title
• Name and location of setting
• Name of training organisation

Describe the role of the nominee, their approach to their training and their work, and how they successfully combine the two (up to 300 words)

Give specific examples of excellent projects/pieces of work produced as part of the apprenticeship. Show how your nominee makes a difference to children, families and/or colleagues with their work in the setting (up to 400 words)

Why does this nominee deserve to win the award? What makes them a star practitioner of the future? How do they exceed expectations of an early years apprentice? (up to 300 words)

Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Give details of nominee’s other qualifications, training, awards etc.

Provide two brief supporting statements from tutors, managers, colleagues or parents etc.

Provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

Health and Well-Being Award

Open to early years settings, services and projects that have shown excellence in prioritising and improving the physical health and/or emotional well-being of children, families and staff.

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name of Initiative
• Name and location of setting/service
• Type of organisation
• Number of children catered for
• Age range of children catered for
• Website link

Describe the nominated service or initiative and its approach to supporting the health and well-being of children, families and/or staff (up to 300 words)

Give specific examples of how this initiative has improved outcomes for young children, their families and/or early years practitioners. If your service specialises in this area, how have you maximised its impact across the sector or the region you serve? If you are an early years setting, why did you choose to develop this area of your provision and how have you incorporated it alongside other aspects of practice? (up to 500 words)

Why should this initiative win the award? What makes it special? How has it exceeded expectations of everyday good practice? (up to 300 words)

 
Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Provide brief supporting statements from two people who have benefited from this service

Give a link to any Ofsted reports, or details of any quality assurance schemes, Investors in People etc. relevant to this service

Provide up to five photos that represent your entry

Nursery Food Award

Open to early years settings whose approach to and provision of nutritious food promotes children’s health and well-being. Please note that after preliminary screening, it may be determined by the judges that a site visit is necessary to determine a winner.

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name of setting
• Type of organisation
• Number of children catered for
• Age range of children catered for

Provision (no more than 400 words for each part to be submitted via eventsforce).

• Describe your setting’s approach to providing healthy meals and snacks including for babies and toddlers (400 words)
• Describe your setting’s approach to meal times and snack times including for babies and toddlers (400 words)
• Describe how your setting involves children in cooking and learning about food (400 words)

Supporting evidence

• Provide three weeks of your setting’s menus
• Enclose your food policy
• Provide two brief supporting statements from parents, local authority advisor or similar
• Give details of any awards or quality standards for food that your setting has achieved
• Provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

Enabling Environments Award

Open to early years settings who have developed elements of their provision to create stimulating, child-centred learning environments in line with the principles of the EYFS or other early years frameworks. This could be any aspect or area of the setting, including outdoor area, indoor environment, forest school, under-threes provision, movement play area, free flow, children’s access to self-chosen activities etc.

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name of Initiative (if applicable)
• Name and location of setting/service
• Type of organisation
• Number of children catered for
• Age range of children catered for
• Website link

Describe the area or approach, and why and how you developed or enhanced it. How did you identify the gaps in your provision? Describe any partnerships you forged in creating or improving the environment and how you involved children and families (up to 400 words)

Describe how the environment is used in your daily practice. Give specific examples of how it engages children and enriches their experiences (up to 400 words)

Describe the benefits for children’s learning and development and any evidence that it improves outcomes. How does your environment support staff to meet the needs of the children they educate and care for?  (up to 400 words)


Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Provide two brief supporting statements from parents or local authority advisors etc.

Give details of any Ofsted reports, quality assurance schemes, Investors in People etc. relevant to this entry

Provide up to 15 photographs to illustrate the environment in use

Eco-Friendly Early Years Award

Open to early years settings and services who are developing an eco-friendly approach in all aspects of their work, from management, resourcing, recycling and design, to educating young children about sustainable development.


The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name and location of setting or service
• Type of organisation
• Number of children catered for
• Age range of children catered for
• Website link

Describe how and why you have adopted sustainable and environmentally-friendly measures for running your business or organisation. Give specific examples of the impact this is making on the environment (up to 400 words)

Describe your approach to educating young children about sustainable development and their role and responsibilities as citizens now and in the future (up to 400 words)

Describe how your eco-friendly approach has involved and benefited families, staff and your community. How have you worked in partnership with others? (up to 400 words)

Describe how you intend to develop your eco-friendly approach (up to 200 words)


Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

List any relevant awards, quality standards or accreditations (eg Green Flag) that you have or are working towards

Provide brief testimonials from parents, external organisations or local authority advisors about your eco-friendly approach

Provide up to five photos that represent your entry

Working With Parents

Open to settings, services or projects that support parents, enhance their understanding of their children’s learning and development, or improve children’s outcomes through involvement and co-operation with families.

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name and location of setting or service
• Name of Initiative (if applicable)
• Type of organisation
• Number of children catered for
• Age range of children catered for
• Website link

Describe the nominated service or initiative and its approach to supporting parents, carers and families (up to 300 words)

Give specific examples of how this initiative has improved outcomes for parents and young children. If your service specialises in this area, how have you maximised its impact across the sector or the region you serve? If you are an early years setting, why did you choose to develop this area of your provision and how have you incorporated it alongside other aspects of practice? (up to 500 words)

Why should this initiative/approach win the award? What makes it special? How has it exceeded expectations of everyday good practice? (up to 300 words)


Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Provide brief supporting statements from two people who have benefited from this service or approach

Give a link to any Ofsted reports, or details of any quality assurance schemes, Investors in People etc. relevant to this service

Provide up to five photos that represent your entry

Working with Babies and Toddlers

For early years provision displaying exemplary practice in caring for and educating the youngest children, meeting their individual needs and supporting their development


The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name and location of setting/service
• Type of organisation
• Number of children catered for
• Age range of children catered for
• Website link

Describe the nominated setting or service. How and why have you developed this approach to working with babies and toddlers? What gaps in provision did you identify? (up to 300 words)

Give specific examples of how this initiative meets the individual needs of babies and toddlers, and show how outcomes have been improved. If your service specialises in this area, how have you maximised its impact across the sector or the region you serve? If you are an early years setting, why did you choose to develop this area of your provision and how have you incorporated it alongside other aspects of practice? (up to 500 words)

Why should this initiative/approach win the award? What makes it special? How has it exceeded expectations of everyday good practice? (up to 300 words)


Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Provide brief supporting statements from two people who have benefited from this service

Give links to any Ofsted report, or give details of any quality assurance schemes, Investors in People etc relevant to this service.

Provide up to five photos that represent your entry

Business Development Award (New Category)

For a new launch of, or significant expansion to, an early years businesss or service since 1 January 2021


The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name of Initiative
• Name and location of setting/service
• Type of organisation
• Number of children catered for
• Age range of children catered for
• Website link

Give details of your launch or expansion and the rationale behind it. How did you ensure that the development was well led and managed and resulted in high-quality provision? (up to 400 words)

Give specific examples of how this development has benefited young children, their families, your staff and your community, as well as your business or service (up to 400 words)

Why should this initiative win the award? What makes it special? How do you intend to develop your business/service in the future? (up to 300 words)


Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Provide brief supporting statements from two people who have benefited from this service

Give a link to any Ofsted reports, or details of any quality assurance schemes, Investors in People etc. relevant to this service

Provide up to five photos that represent your entry

Team Development Award

Open to early years and childcare services that have built a high-quality staff team through good practice in recruitment and retention, training and career development


The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name and location of setting or service
• Name of Initiative (if applicable)
• Type of organisation
• Number of children catered for
• Age range of children catered for
• Website link

Describe your approach to team development, explaining how the staff team is supported to develop knowledge, skills and practice through training, mentoring and leadership. How do you support good teamwork? Describe how you retain staff and ensure career progression (up to 500 words)

Give specific examples of how this initiative has benefited individual staff team members and the team as a whole. How has it improved outcomes for young children and their families (up to 400 words)

Why should this nomination win the award? What makes your approach t team development special. How has it exceeded expectations of everyday good practice? (up to 300 words)


Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Provide two brief supporting statements about your team development from staff or senior managers
 
Give a link to any Ofsted reports, or details of any quality assurance schemes, Investors in People etc. relevant to this service

Provide up to five photos that represent your entry

Nursery Food

Open to early years settings whose approach to and provision of food promotes children’s health and well-being. Menus should be healthy, nutritious and balanced, meeting the current national early years food and drink guidelines, Eat Better Start Better. Children should be supported to learn about making healthy choices and where their food comes from. Mealtimes and snacktimes should be well-planned, happy and sociable.

Please note that after preliminary screening, it may be determined by the judges that a site visit is necessary to determine a winner

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name and location of setting
• Type of organisation
• Number of children catered for
• Age range of children catered for
• Website link

Describe your setting’s approach to providing healthy meals and snacks, including for babies and toddlers. Explain how these meet current national early years guidelines. How are allergies managed? How does your provision cater for dietary needs and preferences and include food from different cultures?  (up to 400 words)

Describe your setting’s approach to mealtimes and snacktimes, including for babies and toddlers, and how you ensure these are happy and sociable occasions where children can make choices. How are staff involved?  (Up to 400 words)

Describe how your setting involves children in cooking and learning about food. How do you involve parents, families and the community? (Up to 400 words)


Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Provide three weeks of your setting’s menus

Enclose your food policy

Provide two brief supporting statements from parents, local authority advisor or nutritionist etc

Give details of any awards or quality standards for food that your setting has achieved

Provide up to five photos that represent your entry

Inclusive Practice Award

Open to settings, services or projects that promote equality of opportunity and the best outcomes for all children, families and staff regardless of ethnic origin, special needs, background or disadvantage

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name and location of setting or service
• Name of Initiative (if applicable)
• Type of organisation
• Number of children catered for
• Age range of children catered for
• Website link

Describe the nominated service or initiative. How and why did you develop this approach to supporting children, families and/or staff? What gaps did you identify in your provision? (up to 300 words)

Give specific examples of how this initiative has improved outcomes for young children, their families and/or early years practitioners. If your service specialises in this area, how have you maximised its impact across the sector or the region you serve? If you are an early years setting, why did you choose to develop this area of your provision and how have you incorporated it alongside other aspects of practice? (up to 500 words)

Why should this initiative win the award? What makes it special? How has it exceeded expectations of everyday good practice? (up to 300 words)


Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Provide brief supporting statements from two people who have benefited from this service

Give a link to any Ofsted reports, or details of any quality assurance schemes, Investors in People etc. relevant to this service

Provide up to five photos that represent your entry

Community Support

Open to early years settings and services who have involved staff, parents and children in projects to support charities or the local/wider community.

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name and location of setting or service
• Name of Initiative
• Type of organisation
• Number of children catered for
• Age range of children catered for
• Website link

Describe the nominated service or initiative. How and why did you develop this approach to supporting charities and/or your community? What gaps did you identify in your provision? (up to 300 words)

Give specific examples of how this initiative has benefited your chosen charity or your community and its members. How has it benefited young children, their families and/or early years practitioners? If your service specialises in this area, how have you maximised its impact across the sector or the region you serve? If you are an early years setting, why did you choose to develop this area of your provision and how have you incorporated it alongside other aspects of practice? (up to 500 words)

Why should this initiative win the award? What makes it special? How has it exceeded expectations of everyday good practice? (up to 300 words)


Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as atachments)

Provide brief supporting statements from two people who have benefited from this work

Give a link to any Ofsted reports, or details of any quality assurance schemes, Investors in People etc. relevant to this work

Provide up to five photos that represent your entry

Online and Social Media Award

Open to early years providers (nurseries, schools, pre-schools and childminders) and services whose website and use of social media is informative, accessible and innovative.

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Name and location of setting
• Type of organisation
• Number of children catered for
• Age range of children catered for
• Website / Social media addresses

Give a description of your setting's website - its main features, why you have developed it, and how it has benefited your organisation (up to 400 words)

Describe how and why you use social media for communication/marketing etc and how this has benefited your organisation. (up to 400 words)

Describe how you would like to develop your website and use of social media in future (up to 300 words)


Supporting evidence (can upload as attachments)

Brief testimonies from parents or other users

Web traffic figures / Twitter followers / Facebook friends etc.

Provide up to five photos that represent your entry

Professional Book of the Year

Open to professional books aimed at supporting the work of early years practitioners, managers and leaders, which have been published (or a new edition published) since 1 January 2021. You will be asked to supply review copies for judging.


The following information is essential to your entry:

• Title of book
• Name of publisher
• Publication date
• Name of author

Describe the title and its contents (up to 200 words)

Explain why this book supports early years professionals’ knowledge and practice (up to 200 words)

Why should this book win the award? (up to 200 words)


Supporting evidence (can be uploaded as attachments)

Provide brief testimonials or reviews from readers

Provide PDFs/photos of the book cover and the author/s

Lifetime Achievement

This annual honour is decided and awarded by Nursery World.

Past winners include Laura Henry-Allain, Neil Leitch, Helen Moylett, Penny Tassoni, Julie Fisher, Wendy Scott, Tina Bruce and Chris Pascal.​