Nursery of the year

Open to registered settings offering full daycare for children from 0-5 (private, voluntary or maintained sector)

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Type of provision
• Number of places
• Age range of children
• Name of manager/head (qualifications held)
• Number of staff

Provision (no more than 400 words for each part). You can upload your provision document through the system in Word or PDF.

• Describe your setting’s approach to care and learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage or equivalent (up to 3 photographs may also be sent) (400 words)
• How do you involve a) children’s views b) parents and c) the local community in your provision (400 words)
• Give a brief summary of how you would like to develop your service in the future (400 words)
• Summarise the strengths of your setting and why you believe it should win this award (400 words)

Supporting evidence

• Provide a copy of your most recent inspection reports
• 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 at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

Pre-School of the Year

Open to registered settings offering sessional care and education

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Type of provision
• Number of places
• Age range of children
• Name of manager/head (qualifications held)
• Number of staff

Provision (no more than 400 words for each part). You can upload your provision document through the system in Word or PDF.

• Describe your setting’s approach to care and learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage or equivalent (up to 3 photographs may also be sent) (400 words)
• How do you involve a) children’s views b) parents and c) the local community in your provision (400 words)
• Give a brief summary of how you would like to develop your service in the future (400 words)
• Summarise the strengths of your setting and why you believe it should win this award (400 words)

Supporting evidence

• Provide a copy of your most recent inspection reports
• 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 at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

Early Years in School Award

NEW CRITERIA: For Early Years Foundation Stage or equivalent provision in primary schools which have developed high-quality practice for nursery and Reception children

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Type of provision
• Number of places
• Age range of children
• Name of manager/head (qualifications held)
• Number of staff

Provision (no more than 400 words for each part). You can upload your provision document through the system in Word or PDF.

• Describe your setting’s approach to care and learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage or equivalent (up to 3 photographs may also be sent) (400 words)
• How do you involve a) children’s views b) parents and c) the local community in your provision (400 words)
• Give a brief summary of how you would like to develop your service in the future (400 words)
• Summarise the strengths of your setting and why you believe it should win this award (400 words)

Supporting evidence

• Provide a copy of 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 at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

Nursery Group of the Year

Open to UK nursery groups with three or more settings

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Number of nurseries
• Total number of registered places
• Age range of children
• Number of staff

Provision (no more than 400 words for each part). You can upload your provision document through the system in Word or PDF.

• What makes your nursery chain a successful business? (400 words)
• How do you ensure high-quality care and education across the group? (400 words)
• Describe your approach to staff development (400 words)
• Give a brief summary of your group’s plans for development (400 words)
• Summarise the strengths of your organisation and why it should win this award (400 words)

Supporting evidence

• Provide an example of 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 at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

Childminding Business of the Year

Open to settings where childminders are working with other childminders and/or assistants, including those registered as ‘childcare on domestic premises’.

The following information is essential to your entry:

• Type of provision
• Number of places
• Age range of children
• Name of manager (qualifications held)
• Number of staff

Provision (no more than 400 words for each part). You can upload your provision document through the system in Word or PDF.

• Describe your setting’s approach to care and learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage or equivalent (up to 3 photographs may also be sent) (400 words)
• How do you involve a) children’s views b) parents and c) the local community in your provision (400 words)
• Give a brief summary of how you would like to develop your service in the future (400 words)
• Summarise the strengths of your setting and why you believe it should win this award (400 words)

Supporting evidence

• Provide a copy of 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 at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

Nursery Manager of the Year

Open to any nursery manager in a full day-care or sessional setting

The following information is essential to your entry:

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

Nomination (no more than 400 words for each part) You can upload your nomination document through the system in Word or PDF.

• 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? (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 Operations / Regional Manager of the Year

Open to senior employees of nursery groups working across some or all of the company’s settings

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

Nomination (no more than 400 words for each part) You can upload your nomination document through the system in Word or PDF.

• 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? (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)

Early Years Teacher of the Year

Nominees must have gained Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) through one of the recognised pathways

Nursery Practitioner of the Year

Open to any qualified practitioner working in an early years setting, in the maintained, private or voluntary sectors

The following information is essential to your entry:

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

Nomination (no more than 400 words for each part) You can upload your nomination document through the system in Word or PDF.

• 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? (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)

Newcomer of the Year

Open to early years practitioners who started working in the early years sector since 1st January 2018

The following information is essential to your entry:

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

Nomination (no more than 400 words for each part) You can upload your nomination document through the system in Word or PDF.

• 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? (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)

Trainer of the Year

Open to anyone responsible for early years and childcare training in colleges, training companies or in-house for nursery groups etc.

The following information is essential to your entry:

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

Nomination (no more than 400 words for each part) You can upload your nomination document through the system in Word or PDF.

• 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? (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)

Childminder of the Year

Nominees must be registered childminders

The following information is essential to your entry:

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

Nomination (no more than 400 words for each part) You can upload your nomination document through the system in Word or PDF.

• 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? (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 a copy of your latest inspection report
• Provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

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

Nomination (no more than 400 words for each part) You can upload your nomination document through the system in Word or PDF.

• 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? (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)

Working with Parents Award

Open to 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 of initiative
• Type of organisation
• Number of children catered for
• Age range of children catered for

Initiative (no more than 400 words for each part). You can upload your initiative document through the system in Word or PDF.

• Describe the nominated service (400 words)
• Give examples of how this initiative has improved outcomes for young children and their families (400 words)
• Why should this nomination win the award? (400 words)

Supporting evidence

• Provide brief supporting statements from two people who have benefited from this service
• Give details of any Ofsted reports, quality assurance schemes, Investors in People etc. relevant to this service
• Provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

Inclusive Practice Award

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

The following information is essential to your entry:

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

Initiative (no more than 400 words for each part). You can upload your initiative document through the system in Word or PDF.

• Describe the nominated service (400 words)
• Give examples of how this initiative has improved outcomes for young children and their families (400 words)
• Why should this nomination win the award? (400 words)

Supporting evidence

• Provide brief supporting statements from two people who have benefited from this service
• Give details of any Ofsted reports, quality assurance schemes, Investors in People etc. relevant to this service
• Provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

Team Development Award

Open to early years and childcare services who 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 of initiative
• Type of organisation
• Number of children catered for
• Age range of children catered for

Initiative (no more than 400 words for each part). You can upload your initiative document through the system in Word or PDF.

• Describe the nominated service (400 words)
• Give examples of how this initiative has improved outcomes for young children and their families (400 words)
• Why should this nomination win the award? (400 words)

Supporting evidence

• Provide brief supporting statements from two people who have benefited from this service
• Give details of any Ofsted reports, quality assurance schemes, Investors in People etc. relevant to this service
• Provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

Early Years Launch of the Year

For a nursery (individual or part of a group), pre-school, school or childminding service that has opened since 1 January 2018

The following information is essential to your entry:

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

Initiative (no more than 400 words for each part). You can upload your initiative document through the system in Word or PDF.

• Describe the nominated service (400 words)
• Give examples of how this initiative has improved outcomes for young children and their families (400 words)
• Why should this nomination win the award? (400 words)

Supporting evidence

• Provide brief supporting statements from two people who have benefited from this service
• Give details of any Ofsted reports, quality assurance schemes, Investors in People etc. relevant to this service
• Provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

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

Initiative (no more than 500 words for each part). You can upload your initiative document through the system in Word or PDF.

• Describe your setting’s approach to providing healthy meals and snacks (400 words)
• Describe your setting’s approach to meal times and snack times (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. This could be any aspect or area of the setting, including outdoor area, 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 setting
• Type of organisation
• Number of children catered for
• Age range of children catered for

Environment (no more than 400 words for each part). You can upload your environment document through the system in Word or PDF.

• Describe the area or approach, and why and how you developed it (400 words)
• Describe how the environment is used in your daily practice (400 words)
• Describe the benefits for children and staff (400 words)

Supporting evidence

• Provide a couple of brief supporting statements from parents or local authority advisors etc if available
• Give details of any Ofsted reports, quality assurance schemes, Investors in People etc relevant to this entry
• Provide photographs or plans to illustrate the environment
• Provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

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 of organisation
• Type of organisation
• Number of children catered for (if applicable)
• Age range of children catered for
• URL of website and social media details

Initiative (no more than 400 words for each part). You can upload your initiative document through the system in Word or PDF.

• Give a brief description of your website – its main features and how it has benefited your organisation (400 words)
• Describe how you use social media for communication/marketing etc.
• Describe how you would like to develop your website and use of social media in future (400 words)

Supporting evidence

• Brief testimonies from parents
• Web traffic figures/Twitter followers/Facebook friends etc.
• Provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

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

Initiative (no more than 400 words for each part). You can upload your document through the system in Word or PDF.

• Describe the work of your setting in supporting the community/charitable causes (400 words)
• Give examples of how this work has benefited your chosen causes, your setting and the children and families you provide for (400 words)
• Why should this nomination win the award? (400 words)

Supporting evidence

• Provide brief supporting statements from relevant people or organisations who have benefited from your work
• Give details of any Ofsted reports or awards etc. relevant to your work
• 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 worked to improve the physical health and/or emotional well-being of children, families and staff.

The following information is essential to your entry:

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

Initiative (no more than 400 words for each part). You can upload your initiative document through the system in Word or PDF.

• Describe the nominated service (400 words)
• Give examples of how this initiative has improved outcomes for young children, families and staff (400 words)
• Why should this nomination win the award? (400 words)

Supporting evidence

• Provide brief supporting statements from two people who have benefited from this service
• Give details of any Ofsted reports, quality assurance schemes, Investors in People etc relevant to this service.
• Provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)

Working with babies and children

For early years provision displaying exemplary practice in working with the youngest children

The following information is essential to your entry:

Name of initiative
Type of organisation
Number of children catered for
Age range of children catered for
Initiative (no more than 400 words for each part). You can upload your initiative document through the system in Word or PDF.

Describe the nominated service (400 words)
Give examples of how this initiative has improved outcomes for young children, families and staff (400 words)
Why should this nomination win the award? (400 words)
Supporting evidence

Provide brief supporting statements from two people who have benefited from this service
Give details of any Ofsted reports, quality assurance schemes, Investors in People etc relevant to this service.
Provide at least one photo that represents your entry (maximum three photos)