The 18 award winners, chosen from a shortlist of 37, were announced by Cherie Booth, patron of the awards scheme, and children's minister Beverley Hughes.
This year, the awards were linked with the five key outcomes in Every Child Matters and divided into nine categories: integrating care and early learning; achieving with partners; better information to more parents; empowering parents; promoting children's well-being; equality and inclusion; supporting children's learning; transforming the children's workforce; and building for Sure Start.
Lanterns Children's Centre in Winchester was one of three winners in the 'building for Sure Start' category. The 2.3m centre opened at the end of October and now offers 110 childcare places, of which half are for children with special needs.
Head of centre Olivia Peak said, 'I am so pleased that the centre's architect, Colin Jackson, has received this recognition because he has designed a really beautiful, contemporary building.
'It is very accessible for children with mobility difficulties and has state-of-the-art changing facilities, a sensory room and rooms for physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy.
Children deserve to have high-quality buildings.'
Presenting the awards, Cherie Booth said, 'The energy, enthusiasm and dedication shown by all the people here demonstrate the commitment to improving the life chances of all our young children. We are putting the accent firmly on excellence - nothing less is good enough for our children.'
For full information on the finalists visit www.daycaretrust.org.uk.