Cherie Booth, patron of the awards scheme, and children's minister Margaret Hodge announced the 19 winners, who had been whittled down from a record 308 nominees and a shortlist of 38.
The winners were nominated in nine categories: smarter children's services, achieving with partners, tracking outcomes, better information to more parents, supporting parents' next steps, promoting children's well-being, equalities and inclusion, enabling children's learning, and creating a children's workforce.
Sure Start Western Tynedale in Northumberland was one of two winners in the 'smarter children's services' category. It is a mini Sure Start programme working towards children's centre status, currently negotiating with the Rural Transport Partnership for a dial-and-ride scheme for people to access services and training, and working with the National Childminding Association to provide childminding courses.
The Partners in Excellence Awards recognise excellent practice in children's services by Sure Start children's centres, Children's Information Services and local authorities.
Margaret Hodge said, 'These awards are about setting our sights and standards high and celebrating the achievement of excellence that is being achieved for children and parents every day.'
The awards scheme is organised by the Daycare Trust. Full information on the finalists is available on its website at www.daycaretrust.org.uk.