The Nursery World Awards, now in their fifth year, have become the top accolades for the sector, and do a wonderful job of showcasing the best practice and the people who do the most important work in the world in supporting and nurturing young children.
The early years sector has faced many challenges of late, with the revised Early Years Foundation Stage now launched, the Government's response to the Nutbrown Review imminent, and a new inspection system under way. The Department for Education ministerial team has been shaken up too, with the result that there is a great deal of uncertainty about the future.
More than ever, we need to pause and remember how important it is that we celebrate the vital role of the early years sector in the lives of children and families.
Here is a selection of very worthy award winners, including some in new categories such as children's centre team of the year, nursery operations/regional manager of the year, and outstanding contribution. We also highlight the Pearson/Nursery World childcare student of the year, which was awarded at this year's event at the very popular Lancaster London hotel on Friday evening.
Huge thanks go to our sponsors, who have all made the awards possible, and to our eminent panel of judges, who gave their time, knowledge and skills so generously to decide on our winners. Special mentions go to Wendy Scott, who once again visited our nursery of the year shortlist - and whose visits are seen as a prize in themselves - and Annie Seeley and Jane Harrison, who enjoyed first-hand tastings of the meals at the settings on the nursery food shortlist.
Make sure you enter the awards next year!
- Look out for all the photographs of the glittering event and presentation shortly