ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED.
Thank you to all those who submitted entries this year. All shortlisted finalists will be contacted in September.
The 17th National NMT Nursery Awards return once again for the celebration of the year on the 30th November 2019 at the Hilton London Metropole!
The National NMT Nursery Awards reward excellence in the early years and nursery sector.
Important Dates:
NMT Nursery Awards Chef Judging Day: Wednesday 9th October 2019, The Gourmet Cookery School, Milton Keynes (all finalists must attend)
NMT Nursery Awards Judging Day: Friday 18th October 2019, Hilton London Metropole (all finalists must attend)
17th National NMT Nursery Awards: Saturday 30th November 2019, Hilton London Metropole
Nursery Training & Development Award
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.
Individual Nursery Award
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.
Nursery Indoor Learning Environment Award
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.
Nursery Room Leader Award
This Award will go 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.
Nursery Team Award
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.
Nursery Product Award *NEW AWARD for 2019
Awarded to the nursery supply company that has, in the view of the judges, brought to the nursery sector the most exciting and important tangible product over the past two years.
Nursery Manager Award
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.
Nursery Business Development Award
This award will be given to an outstanding launch of a new nursery business since January 1st 2017 or to a nursery or nursery group which has expanded significantly since January 1st 2017.
Nursery Operations/Area Manager Award *NEW CRITERIA FOR 2019
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.
Nursery Chef Award *NEW CRITERIA FOR 2019
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 at the ‘Cook Off’ as well as supplying an example of a weekly menu plan created within the last three months.
Nursery Staff Resource Award *NEW AWARD for 2019
This award will go to the nursery Supply Company that has, in the view of the judges, brought to the nursery sector a new or wide array of resources to promote learning across the Early Years Foundation Stage, which best supports children’s learning and development in addition to staff skills and management.
Nursery Outdoor Learning Environment Award
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.
Nursery Sustainable Pioneer Award *NEW AWARD for 2019
This award will be won by the nursery which has shown exemplar commitment to environmental responsibility. The nursery will be actively engaged in working for a low carbon society, and in activities that positively benefit people and planet.
Nursery Apprentice Award
This Award will be given to a Nursery Apprentice, enrolled on a recognised apprenticeship scheme, who delivers the very best standard of childcare every day. The judges will be looking for an individual who excels in their personal and team roles, and exhibits enthusiasm, professionalism, confidence and a shining commitment to their on-going career development.
Nursery Nurse/Childcare Worker Award
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.
Forest or Beach School / Kindergarten Award *NEW AWARD for 2019
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.
Nursery Personality of the Year Award
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.
Nursery Group Award
This award is open to nursery groups with two 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.
Now for a word from our fantastic returning Main Sponsor, Consortium!
NMT Magazine would like to give a special thank you to our current Category Sponsors:
*Click the image below for Sponsor information
Many thanks to our Drinks’ Reception Sponsor, Funding Loop and our returning Charity Sponsor, Redwoods Dowling Kerr!
Any questions or queries?
Click here to download our FAQs pack or get in touch with Véronique on the Events Team at veronique@hawkerpublications.com Alternatively, call us on
For sponsorship opportunities please contact Caroline Bowern; caroline@hawkerpublications.com
Keep up to date on our Facebook and Twitter pages!
Have a look below to see what happened last year at our 2018 Awards:
Congratulations to our 2018 Winners!
Back for the 16th year, the National NMT Nursery Awards recognise the very best in the early years and nursery sector which culminated in a glittering Gala Evening at the Hilton London Metropole on the 1st December 2018!
The NMT Nursery Awards is an annual event organised by Nursery Management Today, the leading business publication in the nursery sector and sponsored by key companies providing services in the sector. The Awards are designed to reward excellence in childcare and celebrate the very best people in the Nursery Sector.
2018 Winners
Nursery Training and Development 2018
The Co-operative Childcare
Individual Nursery 2018
Puddleducks Day Nursery, Belfast Central Mission
Nursery Indoor Learning Environment 2018
Fennies Day Nursery and Pre-School Horley, Fennies Nurseries Ltd
Nursery Room Leader 2018
Adam Catlow, Evolution Childcare
Nursery Team 2018
The Old School House Nursery, Cresswells Group
Nursery Manager 2018
Clare Eccles, Portico Nursery Group
Nursery Business Development 2018
Chestnuts Quedgeley, Chestnuts Day Nurseries
Nursery Operations Director / Regional Director 2018
Nadine Farrington, Kiddycare Ltd
Nursery Group of the Year 2018
South Hills Nurseries
Nursery Chef / Cook 2018
Cath Robinson, Holyrood Nursery Swinton, Bertram Nursery Group
Nursery Product / Innovation 2018
Nursery Meals, The Professional Nursery Kitchen
Nursery Outdoor Learning Environment 2018
Dandelion Education Marsham
Nursery Apprentice 2018
Georgia Hammond, Woodlands Day Nursery, Elmscot Group
Nursery Nurse / Childcare Worker 2018
Georgina Elton, Kiddi Caru Day Nursery
Nursery Recruitment Initiative 2018
The Old Station Nursery Ltd
Nursery Personality of the Year 2018
Alice Hill, Snapdragons Nursery Keynsham
Nursery Lifetime Achievement 2018
Margaret Huntington, Footprints Day Nurseries
Re-live the magic, have a look at our Winners Highlights below!
16th National NMT Nursery Awards Winners Album
Gala Evening Photos
What happened this year at our Judging Day?
Have a look at our Chef Judging Day!
Thank you to our Host Gethin Jones!
Gethin Jones is a TV and radio broadcaster. His career started by chance on S4C.. After 3 years of presenting a variety of different live shows, he was asked to board the well-known ‘Blue Peter’ ship! Little did he know this would lead to 6 broken bones, 4 world records, 3 life threatening tasks, and a lifetime ambition of flying with the Red Arrows. 32 countries, taking on the most extreme and obscure! From one extreme to another, a few months later he was dancing his way to the semi-final of BBC1’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. He’s been a part of the show since, presenting “Dancing With The Stars All Access” in Los Angeles, and presenting It Takes Two on BBC2 for the past 3 years.
Gethin has presented a multitude of high profile shows, from “71 Degree’s North” to 4 series of BBC1’s “Remembrance Week” – filmed in the heart of the Green Zone in Afghanistan.
Gethin and his best friend Sion, both have autistic nephews. Inspired by them, they have set up their own Autism charity – “Nai” (the welsh word for “Nephew”). They fund seminars for parents, and provide essential equipment to aid autistic children. Their ambition is to build a much-needed school for Autistic Children, in Wales. He says you should only approach him about it, if you’re ready to see a grown man cry! Gethin is now the co-host of the brand new “Hits Radio” Breakfast show alongside Gemma Atkinson and Dave Vitty.
Thank you to our Main Sponsor, Consortium!
Thanks to our Sponsors:
2018 Finalists
Nursery Training & Development Award
- Louisa Devonport & Gemma Pawson, Bright Horizons Family Solutions
- Gill Medhurst & Stacey Bailey, Fennies Nurseries Ltd
- Olivia Foley & Karen Vockins, Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries Ltd
- Alexandra Ferguson & Sophie Boyce, Laser Systems
- Babita Saroy & Beverley Capewell, The Co-operative Childcare
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.
Individual Nursery Award
- Jemima Bailey & Jessica Woods, Alfresco Childcare and Forest Pre-School
- Sharon Malcolm, Puddleducks Day Nursery, Belfast Central Mission
- Fabienne O’Neill & Heather Stallard, Cuckooz Nest
- Sonia Gill & Zadvinder Padda, GNG Nursery
- Amanda Griffiths & Samantha Varney, Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery St Albans
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.
Nursery Indoor Learning Environment Award
- Gill Medhurst & Laura Woods, Fennies Day Nursery and Pre-School Horley, Fennies Nurseries Ltd
- Eve Aitchison & Claire Muttitt, Beaumont House Day Nursery, Pilgrim Trading Ltd
- Toni Fountain, Toad Hall Day Nursery Ltd
- Karen Brown & Jo Strover, Tootsies Day Nursery
- Karen Parker & Kelly Tindall, The Sussex Co-operative, The Co-operative Childcare
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.
Nursery Room Leader Award
- Daniel Arnell, Toad Hall Nursery Group Horley
- Max Bendall, Snapdragons Nursery Weston
- Adam Catlow, Evolution Childcare
- Lenka Fibichova, Buttons Day Nursery Hanwell, Eduko Ltd
- Sophie Murray, Hale Day Nursery, Elmscot Group
This Award will go 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.
Nursery Team Award
- Lisa Weston & Lauren Stevens, The Old School House Nursery, Cresswells Group
- Sarah Fox & Charlie Beckett, Evolution Childcare
- Hannah Jennings, Tops Day Nurseries, Hadland Care Group
- Kim-Marie Gerrard & Heather Machin, Tiny Toez Westfield, Tiny Toez Ltd
- Nicola Jones & Carly Burke, The Co-operative Childcare Newbiggen
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.
Nursery Manager Award
- Conor Bathgate, Bright Horizons Family Solutions
- Clare Eccles, Portico Nursery Group
- Sarah Fox, Evolution Childcare
- Laura Robinson, Headstart Day Nursery and Afterschool
- Hayley Walker, Holyrood Nursery Swinton, Bertram Nursery Group
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.
Nursery Business and Development Award
- Lucy Knibbs & Liz Kelly, Chestnuts Quedgeley, Chestnuts Day Nurseries
- Neil Blockley & Jenine Gill, Little Inspirations Day Nursery, Little Inspirations Ltd
- Liv Stones & Hannah McGoohan, N Nursery & Family Club
- Andrew Clifford & Eve Aitchison, Beaumont House Day Nursery, Pilgrim Trading Ltd
- Ranjana Mair & Kim-Marie Gerrard, Tiny Toez Ltd
This award will be given to an outstanding launch of a new nursery business since January 1st 2017 or to a nursery or nursery group which has expanded significantly since January 1st 2017.
Nursery Group Award
- Cherie Wilson & Zoe Smith-Phillips, Acorns Nurseries Ltd
- Sarah Savage & Rachael Hornby, Cherubs Nurseries
- Steven Fenn & Gill Medhurst, Fennies Nurseries Ltd
- Sarah Fillingham & Clare Eccles, Portico Nursery Group
- Hilary Campbell-Smith & Alicia Proctor, South Hills Nurseries
This award is open to nursery groups with three 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.
Nursery Operations Manager/Director Award
- Nadine Farrington, Kiddycare Ltd
- Sarah Fillingham, Portico Nursery Group
- Stacey Kenyon & Sharon Rumens, Mulberry Bush Nursery Group
- Hannah Reeves, Kids Collective, Elmscot Group
- Cherie Wilson, Acorns Nurseries Ltd
The winning Operations Manager or Director 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.
Nursery Chef/Cook Award
- John Dougan, Chrysalis Day Nursery, BrightStart Day Nursery Group Ltd
- Kylie O’Reilly, Nuffy Bear Day Nursery, Nuffield Health
- Cath Robinson, Holyrood Nursery Swinton, Bertram Nursery Group
- Joyce Welsh, The Red Squirrel Children’s Nursery Glendoick
- Marcin Zolnierski, Little Hens Day Nursery, Eduko Ltd
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 must supply a genuine 2 course menu for the ‘Cook Off’ as well as supplying an example of a weekly menu plan created within the last three months.
Nursery Product or Innovation Award
- Fabienne O’Neill & Heather Stallard, Cuckooz Nest, Cuckooz Nest
- Tim Taylor & Gail Strangways, eyMan – Early Years Management, eyLog – Early Years Log
- Martin Misiowiec & Matt Arnerich, Famly Activity Library, Famly
- Rachel Pangburn, Tale Totes, Hope Education
- Jonathan Player, Nursery Meals, The Professional Nursery Kitchen
Awarded to the nursery supply company that has, in the view of the judges, brought to the nursery sector the most exciting and important product or innovation over the past two years.
Nursery Outdoor Learning Environment Award
- Angela Brandwood-Greene & Alexandra Gaskill, Clairmont House Day Nursery and Pre-School, Bright Horizons Family Solutions
- Carey-Anne Bonser & Alexis Ralph, Busy Bees Day Nursery Durham, BrightStart Day Nursery Group Ltd
- Emma Harwood, Dandelion Education Marsham
- Sheena Wood, ICP Nurseries Outdoor Learning
- Hannah Farman & Lisa Taylor, Butterfly Lodge Nursery, Learning Curve Nursery Group
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.
Nursery Apprentice Award
- Sophie Bunton, Chestnut Tree Day Nursery
- Georgia Hammond, Woodlands Day Nursery, Elmscot Group
- Alisha Hemming-Stevens, Rainbows End Montessori School
- Charlotte O’Neill, Blue Grass Purple Cow
- Amy Walsh, Shine Childcare Ltd
This Award will be given to a Nursery Apprentice, enrolled on a recognised apprenticeship scheme, who delivers the very best standard of childcare every day. The judges will be looking for an individual who excels in their personal and team roles, and exhibits enthusiasm, professionalism, confidence and a shining commitment to their on-going career development.
Nursery Nurse/Childcare Worker Award
- David Bembridge, Little Garden Day Nurseries
- Georgina Elton, Kiddi Caru Day Nursery
- James Fulford, Snapdragons Nursery Weston
- Sarah Knight, Les Enfants, Eduko Ltd
- Sarah Walton, Cherubs Nurseries
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.
Nursery Recruitment Initiative Award
- Cherie Wilson & Chris Sheldon, Acorns Nurseries Ltd
- Jennie Johnson, Kids Allowed
- Nicola Fleury, KidzRus Nursery Ltd
- Jess Ringer, N Nursery & Family Club
- Sarah Steel, The Old Station Nursery Ltd
Recruiting and retaining outstanding staff is one of the biggest challenges facing nurseries today. This Award is designed to recognise the individual or organisation which has developed a highly successful initiative which can be shown to have improved their recruitment and/or retention.
Nursery Personality of the Year Award
- Freda Ampofo, Chestnut Tree Day Nursery
- Joelle Bergin, Each Peach Childcare
- Alice Hill, Snapdragons Nursery Keynsham
- Zadvinder Padda, GNG Nursery
- Tom Richardson, Naturally Learning Ltd
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.
Nursery Lifetime Achievement Award
- Debbie Alcock, Chestnut Tree Day Nursery & Chatterbox House Day Nursery
- Rachel Farrugia – on behalf of Margaret Huntington, Footprints Day Nurseries
- Cheryl Hadland, Tops Day Nurseries, Hadland Care Group
- Tricia Wellings, Bright Kids Group
This Award recognises the person who has dedicated a significant portion of his or her life to creating an outstanding service for children in their early years, and who has provided leadership and inspiration to others. Nominations from parents will be accepted by the judges.
Any questions or queries?
Download our FAQs pack by clicking the image below or get in touch with Véronique on the Events Team at veronique@hawkerpublications.com or call 020 7720 2109
