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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.

Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

 Criteria

• Give a full description of the exceptional training provided by the group, nursery or individual (up to 300 words)
• Explain how this training has proved beneficial to the children and staff (up to 200 words)
• 30 word biography of nominee

Supporting Evidence

• Provide 1-5 testimonials from staff regarding the training and development support they receive
• Provide details of any recognition or accreditation from any recognised bodies (if applicable)
• Provide examples of the training courses/qualifications staff have completed/are completing as part of the training

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.

Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

 Criteria

• Give a full description of life in the nominated nursery on a day to day basis, also including the structure of learning, provisions for staff training, safety and security (up to 300 words)
• Give a brief description of the sort of activities the children take part in and how they are designed to stimulate (up to 200 words)
• Provide a brief summary of business performance over the last three years (up to 200 words)
• 30 word profile of the nursery

Supporting Evidence

 Include the most recent inspection report

• Supply 1-5 photographs of the nursery and activities
• Provide 1-5 testimonials from staff and parents to support the entry
• Provide details of any recognition or accreditation from any recognised bodies (if applicable)

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.

Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

Criteria

• Give a full description of how the indoor learning environment excites and inspires the children and staff (up to 400 words)
• Explain how the environment empowers children to drive their own learning with examples of learning materials and activities (up to 400 words)
• 30 word profile of the setting

Supporting Evidence

• Include the most recent inspection report
• Supply 1-5 photographs showing indoor learning areas

This award will go to 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.

Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

Criteria

• Give full details of this individual’s contribution to making their room an outstanding place for children to be. Provide evidence of the individual’s ability to support and develop other team members, resolve conflicts and provide age-appropriate activities. (300 words)
• Give a full description of this individual’s ability to observe and track children’s learning and development and demonstrate how they have used their integrity and empathy to benefit their children (200 words)
• 30 word biography of nominee

Supporting Evidence

• Include the most recent inspection report for the Nursery where this individual works
• Provide 1-5 testimonials from children, staff and parents
• Provide details of training, qualifications or accreditations this individual has received

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.

Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

 Criteria

• Give a full description of the environment the team is based at (up to 200 words)
• Explain why this team would be a worthy winner of the award (up to 500 words) including how the staff have the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to observe, assess and plan together for their children’s wellbeing
• 30 word profile of the team

Supporting evidence

• Include the most recent inspection report from the nursery where the team is based
• Provide 1-5 testimonials from children, related staff, management and parents
• Provide details of any recognition or accreditation from any recognised bodies

This award will be made to a nursery who has shown exceptional contributions to their community. The judges will be looking for evidence of how the nursey goes out of its way to support its community by taking part in local activities. The nursery will also demonstrate how it actively involves staff, parents and children.

Criteria

Give a full description of how the nursery:

1. Engages the local community by sharing their expertise more widely e.g. parent support classes, drop-ins (up to 250 words)
2. Make use of local expertise and resources wherever possible e.g. tradesmen and suppliers (up to 250 words)
3. Ensure that all children who want a place can access one (up to 250 words)
4. Find ways to make their nursery sustainable e.g. accessing grants (up to 250 words)

• Provide a 30 word profile of the nursery

Supporting evidence

• Supply 1-5 photos showing the community nursery
• Provide 1-5 testimonials from staff and parents to support the entry
• Provide details of any recognition or accreditation from any recognised bodies (if applicable)

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.

Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

 Criteria

• Show in what ways the individual has (up to 300 words):

1. Leadership skills and the ability to support, develop and motivate staff (up to 100 words)
2. The ability to work with young children and their families in a sensitive and positive way (up to 100 words)
3. The ability to create a safe, caring and stimulating environment (up to 100 words)

• Give a summary including examples if available, of how the individual’s role and day to day management is so outstanding (up to 200 words)
• 30 word biography of the nominee

Supporting evidence

• Include the most recent inspection report for the setting the individual manages
• Provide 1-5 testimonials from a selection of children, staff and parents
• Provide details of training, qualification or accreditations the individual has received

This award will be given to an outstanding launch of a new nursery business since January 1^st 2020 or to a nursery or nursery group which has expanded significantly since January 1^st 2020.

Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

 Criteria

• Give a full description of the new launch/expansion including the rationale (200 words)
• For a launch please explain why it has been ‘outstanding’ including how it has benefitted the children, parents, staff and surrounding community (300 words
• OR for an expansion please explain why the expansion has been ‘significant’ including how it has benefitted your children, parents, staff and surrounding communities (300 words)
• 30 word profile of the business

Supporting Evidence

• Include the most recent inspection report if available
• Supply 1-5 photographs highlighting the best details of the launch/expansion
• Provide 1-5 testimonials to support the entry

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.

 Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

Criteria

• Give a full description of the individual’s role and day to day leadership (up to 200 words)
• Provide examples of where the individual has (up to 300 words):
  1. Promoted good practice in their settings
  2. Provided support, training and guidance for the managers they are responsible for
• Summarise the positive management impact the individual has had on their children and staff (up to 200 words)
• 30 word biography of nominee

Supporting evidence

• Include the most recent inspection report/s for the setting or settings the individual is responsible for
• Provide 1-5 testimonials from staff to support the entry
• Provide details of training, qualification or accreditations the individual has received

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 from the nursery at the ‘Cook Off’ as well as supplying an example of a monthly menu plan created within the last three months.

 Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

 Criteria

• Outline the reasons how the nominee shows exceptional ability in providing well-balanced, nutritious and delicious food that takes into account individual needs of children (up to 250 words)
• Explain how the nominee develops menus for the nursery, giving special attention to the nutritional needs of under-fives (up to 250 words)
• 30 word biography of the nominee

Supporting Evidence

• Provide a copy of a monthly menu served within the last 3 months
• Provide a copy of the two-course menu (taken from the monthly menu) that the nominee will cook at the ‘Cook Off’ if chosen to be a finalist
• Provide the cost per child of the ‘Cook Off’ menu

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.

Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

 Criteria

• Give a full description of how the outdoor learning environment excites and inspires the children (up to 400 words)
• Explain how the environment empowers children to become more confident and creative, including examples of activities and resources (up to 400 words)
• 30 word profile of the setting

Supporting Evidence

• Include the most recent inspection report
• Supply 1-5 photographs showing outdoor learning areas

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.

Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

Criteria

• Give full details about the positive effect the individual has had on the children, parents and staff within the setting since being in their role (up to 300 words)
• Give a full description of why and how the nominee has proved to be exceptional within their day to day duties (up to 200 words)
• 30 word biography of nominee

Supporting Evidence

• Provide 1-5 testimonials from children, staff and parents
• Provide details of training, qualification or accreditations the individual has received

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.

Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

Criteria

• Give a full description of how the forest or beach school / kindergarten creates an exciting environment for children (400 words)
• Explain how learning in a woodland or coastal environment emboldens children to grow in confidence, self-esteem and co-operative play with examples of activities and experiences (400 words)
• 30 word profile of the setting

Supporting evidence

• Include the most recent inspection report
• Supply 1 – 5 photographs showing the forest or beach school / kindergarten

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.

Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

Criteria

-  Describe how the individual’s ‘personality’ plays a role in the care they deliver (up to 300 words)

- Explain how the individual has influenced or inspired those they have worked with (up to 200 words)

-  30 word biography of nominee

Supporting Evidence

-  Provide 1-5 testimonials from children, staff and parents

-  Provide details of training, qualification or accreditations the individual has received

This award is open to nursery groups with between two to nine 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.

Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

 Criteria

• Give a full description of the nursery group including how many settings, and numbers of children and members of staff (up to 300 words)
• Give an account (up to 250 words) of:
  1. The corporate identity, values and focus
  2. The Group’s strengths/USP’s, training systems and approaches currently in place
  3. The Group’s success in delivering high quality care across the group including plans for the future
  4. A brief summary of the group’s business success over the last 3 years
• 30 word profile of the Nursery Group

 Supporting evidence

• Include the most recent inspection ratings for all settings (eg 5 Outstanding, 3 Good or 5 Very Good, 3 Good)
• Supply 1-5 photos showing some of the group’s settings
• Provide 1-5 testimonials from staff and parents to support the entry
• Provide details of any recognition or accreditation from any recognised bodies (if applicable)

This award is open to nursery groups with ten 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.

Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

 Criteria

• Give a full description of the nursery group including how many settings, and numbers of children and members of staff (up to 300 words)
• Give an account (up to 250 words) of:
  1. The corporate identity, values and focus
  2. The Group’s strengths/USP’s, training systems and approaches currently in place
  3. The Group’s success in delivering high quality care across the group including plans for the future
  4. A brief summary of the group’s business success over the last 3 years
• 30 word profile of the Nursery Group

 Supporting evidence

• Include the most recent inspection ratings for all settings (eg 5 Outstanding, 3 Good or 5 Very Good, 3 Good)
• Supply 1-5 photos showing some of the group’s settings
• Provide 1-5 testimonials from staff and parents to support the entry
• Provide details of any recognition or accreditation from any recognised bodies (if applicable)

This Award will be made to an outstanding Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) who has shown an exceptional commitment to the sensitive assessment of children with possible SEN and the skilled planning, delivery and monitoring of SEN care. A proven interest in training and providing support for colleagues and parents will be considered essential.

Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

 Criteria  

• Give full details about the positive effect the individual has had on the children, parents and staff within the setting since being in their role.
• Describe how this individual delivers exceptional childcare for children with SEN.
• Explain how you assess and track the learning and development of children with SEN.
• Tell us how this individual approaches challenges involved in their role.

Supporting Evidence

• Provide 1-5 testimonials from children, staff and parents.
• Provide details of training, qualification or accreditations the individual has received.

This award will be won by the nursery which has demonstrated exceptional efforts to boost parent engagement. Parent involvement helps extend teaching and learning outside of the nursery and creates a positive experience for children. The nursery will be able to show examples of how they involve parents and the benefits from it.

Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

 Criteria

• Give a full description of how you have integrated parent engagement into your nursery.
• How has this positively impacted both staff and children?
• How have you and your team approached challenges involving parent engagement?

Supporting Evidence

• Provide 1-5 testimonials from children, staff and parents.
• Include the most recent inspection report

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.

Please submit ALL the following (any entries which do not submit the requirements will be disregarded)

 Criteria

Give a full description of the product or innovation (up to 300 words)

Explain why and how the product or innovation was created (up to 200 words)

1. Explain how the product or innovation is already – or is going to - benefit the lives of the children or staff in a nursery setting (up to 200 words)
2. Explain why the product or innovation is imaginative and why it bridges a gap in the market (up to 100 words)
3. 30 word description of the nominee/entrant

 Supporting Evidence

4. Supply 1-5 photos of the product or innovation
5. Provide 1- 5 supporting testimonials from a nursery setting or settings who have benefited from the product or innovation.