Donna Reid, manager of The Old Station Nursery Group’s Wylde Green Nursery, has been awarded nursery manager of the year at the 21st National NMT Nursery Awards.

Judges were impressed by parents’ and team members’ descriptions of Reid as a good communicator, kind, caring, organized and a positive role model who shows passion and commitment to her role.

The highly competitive category of Nursery Manager was sponsored by Millhouse. Reid was presented with her award by comedian Suzi Ruffell and Millhouse head of sales Lalita Hedges at a glittering black-tie event in London.

“I am so honoured to have even been a finalist for the National NMT Nursery Awards and to win is just surreal!” said Reid, whose setting is located in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. “I’m still in shock but it is such an achievement and I’m so grateful for this award. I would like to thank all the parents and staff that nominated me for the Nursery Manager of the Year Award. It was so heartwarming to read all the lovely nominations.”

Deputy manager of the year, another highly-contested category, was scooped by Holly White, deputy manager of Montessori Minds in Romford, east London. Judges said White went above and beyond when it came to the wellbeing of children, families and staff.

“I am still in shock and feel so thankful that my name was called as the winner amongst the other wonderful individuals dedicated to their early years careers,” said White. “I am so grateful that I have been recognised for my work and feel so proud and that I represent Montessori Minds Day Nursery. Thank you to my manager and team for the opportunities and training I receive.”

The Old Station Nursery Group was also the winner of the Nursery Group (Large) Award. Montessori Minds won two other categories on the night, as room leader Megan Williams received the Nursery Room Leader Award and the setting as a whole received the Individual Nursery Award.

Click here for a full list of award winners