Winners of the 19th annual national NMT awards

On the 20th November, NMT hosted its 19th annual national NMT awards at the Hilton London Metropole.

For nearly 20 years NMT has come together to award those in our nursery community whom so many depend on. This year has still been a challenging time for many but the awards showcased the very best of the community and the innovation across the sector.

Our Gold Sponsor, Hope Education and category sponsors supported NMT in making the awards possible and helping recognise the achievements of our finalists and winners.

NMT national winners

After a rigorous judging process from hundreds of entries, our 2021 national winners were announced:

Nursery Training & Development Award 2021

  • Jamie Atkins, Fennies Day Nurseries

Individual Nursery Award 2021

  • Watermead Day Nursery

Nursery Indoor Learning Environment Award 2021

  • Hitchin House Day Nursery

Nursery Team Award 2021

  • Naturally Learning Truro Forest School, Naturally Learning

Community Nursery of the Year Award 2021

  • Townhouse Nursery, Village Nursery Group

Nursery Manager Award 2021

  • Hannah Jennings, Tops Day Nurseries – Newport, Tops Day Nurseries

Nursery Business Development Award 2021

  • Family First Day Nurseries

Nursery Room Leader Award 2021

  • Georgina Lyon, Stepping Stones Nursery, MiChild Group

Nursery Operations/Area Manager Award 2021

  • Michelle Gascoigne, Tynemouth Nursery Group

Nursery Chef Award 2021

  • Sarah London-Smith, Growing Places @ Oakmeadow, Growing Places

The SENCo Award 2021

  • Lauren O’Brien, Elmscot Woodlands Day Nursery, Elmscot Group

Nursery Outdoor Learning Environment Award 2021

  • Stables Nursery, Stables Daycare

 Parent Engagement Award 2021

  • Toad Hall Nursery Group

Nursery Childcare/Practitioner Award 2021

  • Lydia Evans, Old School House Day Nursery, Cresswell Nurseries (part of ICP Education)

Forest or Beach School / Kindergarten Award 2021

  • Kidzrus Forest School Swinton, Kidzrus Private Day Nursery

Nursery Personality of the Year Award 2021

  • Catherine Luxford, The Nursery Family Lancing, The Nursery Family

Nursery Group (Under 10 settings) Award 2021

  • Little Inspirations

Nursery Group (Over 10 settings) Award 2021

  • Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries

 Nursery Product of the Year Award 2021

  • The Investigative Play Table, Millhouse

NDNA’s chief exec Purnima Tanuku OBE attended along with director of policy and communications Jonathan Broadbery and director of business development Cara Brundle:

Purnima Tanuku OBE, stated:

‘It was a truly special awards night and so good to see many familiar faces there.

‘Congratulations to all the winners and finalists on the night who all showcased some of the amazing work that is happening in nurseries across the country.

‘We continue to be very proud of how brilliant and dedicated early years practitioners and managers are in giving all their children such as good start in life and are delighted this was recognised and rewarded at this fabulous event.

‘It was also fantastic to be able to celebrate the sector’s achievements in person, and hear examples of the wonderful work you are doing, you are all winners in our eyes.’

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