The initiative, which is supported by The Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts, is designed to support nurseries, pre-schools and children’s centres.
The finalists, as chosen by a panel of judges, are: Greystoke under 5’s playgroup in Cumbria, Oakmount Day Nursery in Preston, Lancashire, The Old Forge Day Nursery in Findern, Derbyshire (pictured top), Parkfield Children’s Centre in West Hendon, London and Walton Lane Nursery School and Children’s Centre in Nelson, Lancashire (pictured bottom).
The five finalists will each receive discovery and learning equipment from Chad Valley and a visit from Dora the Explorer. The nursery or pre-school whose entry receives the most votes, chosen by the public on the Nick Jr site, will win £20,000 for their setting.
Almost 300 nurseries and pre-schools submitted an entry for a chance to win the Help Dora Help award.
To enter, children at early years settings had to fill the Dora Map Poster with pictures and artwork. Nurseries and pre-schools also had to explain how the prize fund could benefit children in their care.
To view the shortlisted entries and cast your vote visit www.nickr.co.uk/helpdorahelp by 2 November.