Let’s celebrate...

Welcome to this book of the night for the Nursery World Awards 2023. In it you will find the winners, highly commendeds and finalists for each of the 26 categories, with detailed coverage of individuals, organisations and initiatives. These profiles provide fascinating insights into what makes a winner and highlight just how much innovation and creativity currently characterises our sector.

Times may be tough, but the drive and determination of those working in early years to do the best for children and families remains stronger than ever, as testified by this year’s record number of entries – and the very high standard throughout. We are also delighted this year to have added a new award, Early Childhood Graduate of the Year. Turn to page 27 to discover how its winner demonstrates the breadth of career opportunities for those who achieve this level. Big thanks again go to our panel of expert judges – top consultants, trainers, authors, providers, leaders and academics – for giving so generously of their time (particularly to convene on a very hot day in June) to make some diffi cult decisions. As ever the process has been rigorous, collaborative and extremely rewarding. Final thanks go to this year’s sponsors, who have given their much-valued support to our Awards and made it all possible. Karen Faux Editor of Nursery World Chair of judges

Children and Families Minister David Johnston The dedication, commitment, and passion to achieving the very best outcomes for the youngest children shown by everyone nominated is inspirational.

High quality education and care in the formative early years can transform children’s life chances, and I am determined to champion and support all those working in the sector.

This Government is in the process of rolling out significant reforms to improve access to training and development opportunities, career prospects, pay and more.

We have already committed to paying higher rates for government funded childcare hours for this year and next, introducing new apprenticeship and degree apprenticeship routes into the sector, and reforming the early years foundation stage to make it more accessible and flexible while maintaining the incredible standards you all uphold.

My priority as children’s minister will be listening to, and working with you all, so we can put the right plans in place to expand government funded hours to even more children over the coming years, while maintaining the quality of education and care for which we are internationally known.

www.nurseryworld.co.uk

AWARDS 2023

contents

4 Judging panel

7 N u r s e r y o f t h e Ye a r

9 N u r s e r y G r o u p o f t h e Ye a r

10 P r e -s c h o o l o f t h e Ye a r

11 Community Support

13 Childminder of the Year

15 Nursery Manager of the Year

17 Nursery Operations/ Regional Manager of the Year

19 Nursery Practitioner of the Year

21 E a r l y Ye a r s i n S c h o o l

22 Childminding Business

23 Health & Well-Being

25 Tr a i n e r o f t h e Ye a r

27 Early Childhood Graduate o f t h e Ye a r

28 E a r l y Ye a r s A p p r e n t i c e o f t h e Ye a r

29 Outstanding Contribution

31 Working with Parents

33 Eco-Friendly Early Years

35 Working with Babies and Toddlers

37 Enabling Environments

38 Nursery Food

39 Business Development

41 Team Development

43 Inclusive Practice

44 Professional Books

45 O n l i n e & S o c i a l Me d i a

46 Lifetime Achievement

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