This is the fourth year of the Nursery World Awards, which have become the top accolades for the early years education and childcare sector. By the time you read this, the prizes will all have been handed out at a glittering ceremony at the Lancaster London.
Our Awards recognise and highlight the best organisations, teams, individuals, initiatives and resources in the UK. They shine a light on the hard work, innovation and dedication of those in early years education and childcare, illustrating best practice and raising the profile of early years.
And it's fantastic to have a reason to shout about something really positive. Economic times are tough, with cutbacks and closures, and there's a lot of upheaval in prospect for the sector, with the review of the EYFS, qualifications and workforce. But we must not forget what a lot of great work is going on, with dedicated practitioners making sure that children get the very best.
In this supplement, you can read all about our winners, highly commendeds and finalists - and many thanks to the record numbers of you who took the time to enter this year.
A huge thanks, too, to our sponsors, who've all made the awards possible. And to our eminent panel of judges, who gave so generously of their time, knowledge and skills to make the decisions that get harder every year. Special mentions go to Wendy Scott, who visited our nursery of the year shortlist, dispensing her huge wisdom to all concerned; Annie Seeley and Jane Harrison, who got to taste some lovely meals at the nursery food shortlisted settings; and Nicole Weinstein, who joined in the equipment longlisting.
We're looking forward to next year's awards already!
Liz Roberts, Editor of Nursery World, Chair of judges.
