Marg Randles, co-founder of Busy Bees nurseries, was awarded the inaugural NMT Fellowship Award for Outstanding Service at the 22nd National NMT Nursery Awards.

The award, presented by Nursery Management Today editor Charlotte Goddard, was a testament to Randles four decades of dedication, passion, and excellence in delivering outstanding childcare and inspirational leadership. Randles, who is retiring after 40 years in the sector, expanded Busy Bees from one setting in Lichfield, Staffordshire to hundreds of nurseries across the UK and Ireland, Asia and North America.

“We are delighted to be able to celebrate a career which has been truly committed to quality, safeguarding and supporting others to deliver exceptional care and education across the world,” said Goddard.

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, was awarded the Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Busy Bees. The judges said they “could think of no one more deserving of this prestigious award. He has made a significant impact on the lives of countless children, families and the sector through his policy work, community initiatives and many campaigns to highlight the importance of early years education.”

Sarah Steel, founder of the Old Station Nursery Group, won the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by iStep Learning. Judges said: “Sarah’s dedication to empowering others is nothing short of inspirational and the judges admired the strong team values and ethos of The Old Station Nursery”.

This year there were 30 trophies up for grabs, with the winners announced at a glittering ceremony in London on 30 November hosted by former Boyzone member, Keith Duffy.

The full list of winners:

The NMT Fellowship Award for Outstanding Service

Winner: Marg Randles (Busy Bees Nurseries)

Nursery Training & Development (Sponsored by Partou)

Winner: London Early Years Foundation (LEYF)

Individual Nursery of the Year (Sponsored by Kids Inc Nurseries)

Winner: The Old Rectory Nursery

Nursery Indoor Learning Environment of the Year (Sponsored by YPO)

Winner: Partou Storytimes

Nursery Room Leader of the Year (Sponsored by McQueens Dairies)

Winner: Bo Forster, RAFA Kidz Cranwell

Community Nursery of the Year (Sponsored by Tinies)

Winner: Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries – High Wycombe

Nursery Manager of the Year (Groups) (Sponsored by Millhouse)

Winner: Ashley Webb, Happy Days Nursery & Pre-School, Droitwich

Nursery Manager of the Year (Small Groups and Independents) (Sponsored by Millhouse)

Winner: Kirsty Bennison, The Little Learners Montessori Cricklewood

Nursery Business Development (Sponsored by Evolve Within Recruitment)

Winner: kinderzimmer UK

Nursery Operations/Area Manager of the Year (Sponsored by The Old Station Nursery)

Winner: Sherralyn Egan, Bright Horizons

Nursery Chef of the Year (Sponsored by Connect2Care)

Winner: Pete Ttofis, Tops Day Nurseries

The SENCo Award

Winner: Gemma Williamson, Roots Federation

 

Nursery Outdoor Learning Environment of the Year (Sponsored by Hope)

Winner: Bardykes Farm Nursery School

Parent Engagement (Sponsored by Famly)

Winner: Kindred Nurseries

Nursery Nurse/Childcare Practitioner Award (Sponsored by Partou)

Winner: Emma Deas, Elmscot Woodlands Day Nursery

Nursery Personality of the Year (Sponsored by Grandir UK)

Winner: Dave Sinclair, MiChild Group

Technology Product of the Year (Sponsored by RAFA Kidz)

Winner: Famly

Apprenticeship Scheme of the Year (Sponsored by Realise)

Winner: Grandir UK

Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by Kids Planet)

Winner: Daisy Searle, Little Adventures Nurseries

Nursery Team of the Year (Sponsored by Hope)

Winner: Montessori Minds

Nursery Group (Small) (Sponsored by Dot 2 Dot Nursery Insurance)

Winner: Muddy Boots Nurseries York

Nursery Group (Medium) (Sponsored by Community Playthings)

Winner: Storal

Nursery Group (Large) (Sponsored by Christie & Co)

Winner: Kids Planet Day Nurseries

New Nursery of the Year (Sponsored by Impact Futures)

Winner: Precious Times Day Nursery

Supplier of the Year – Training & Learning (Sponsored by Bright Stars)

Winner: Realise Learning & Employment

Supplier of the Year – Equipment & Services (Sponsored by Bright Stars)

Winner: Cosy Direct

Deputy Nursery Manager of the Year (Sponsored by CC Nurseries Group)

Winner: Charlotte Spencer, Nursery On The Green, Family First Nurseries

Newcomer of the Year (Sponsored by Family First)

Winner: Laura Rushby, Rand Farm Park Day Nursery & Pre-School, Farm Day Nurseries

Outstanding Contribution of an Individual (Sponsored by Busy Bees)

Winner: Neil Leitch (Early Years Alliance)

Lifetime Achievement (Sponsored by iStep Learning)

Winner: Sarah Steel (The Old Station Nursery Group)