Awarded to a nursery that is a single owned and run site (i.e. not part of a multiple group of owned nurseries) which has, in the view of the judges, created the very best environment to promote the highest levels of childcare, staff morale and business performance.

This award will be won by the nursery which has created an environment that most inspires and excites children. The entry will show how the nursery actively involves children in their learning, as well as celebrating their achievements.

This award will be made to the nursery which has, in the view of the judges, created an outdoor ‘living classroom’ that inspires and excites children. Activities that promote physical well-being, creativity and first-hand learning experiences will be sought.

This award recognises the outstanding childcare provided by a Nursery Nurse/Childcare Practitioner. The childcare will include warmth, equality, responsibility, safety, fairness and being supportive in all relationships involving the children, parents and organisation.

The nursery sector depends on the very best managers for its current and future success. This award will be won by the manager who has shown outstanding caring and business skills and leadership in developing a thriving, high quality nursery which delivers a superb environment for children, staff and parents.

A strong and supportive management team is essential for the future success and growth of nursery settings. We are searching for that exceptional deputy manager who is always present to support the team and their manager. This individual will have demonstrated outstanding leadership and communication skills and commits everyday to creating an inclusive and transparent workplace.

This award will go to a Nursery Room Leader who shows the leadership skills required to provide a safe and stimulating environment for children, excellent ability to support and develop other team members, an ability to observe, assess and track children’s learning and development, someone who has a high degree of integrity and empathy when dealing with children and is an excellent verbal and written communicator.

This award will go to the nursery team that has developed and maintained an excellent standard of childcare showing exceptional group values and a commitment to working together for the common good.

This award is open to all nursery groups with 2+ Scottish settings and is designed to recognise a forward thinking group which has shown outstanding success in delivering high quality childcare, well-trained and motivated staff, inspirational values, focus across the group and financial success.

The winning Operations or Area Manager will have demonstrated exceptional vision and leadership across the settings they are responsible for, enhancing the reputation and success of the Group as a whole.

We are looking to acknowledge and reward exceptional commitment to training and developing staff. The award could go to an outstanding business or nursery or individual who is making an exceptional contribution to enhancing training within the childcare sector.

Apprenticeships help shape successful careers and businesses. In the early years sector, childcare apprenticeships provide an exciting opportunity to grow within a nursery or group and develop the right skills and knowledge to take the next career steps. This award will recognise the group that has shown exceptional commitment and contribution to its apprenticeship scheme.

Apprenticeships have been on the increase over the past couple of years and continue to make a positive impact to the sector. The nursery apprentice of the year will be an exceptional individual that has chosen to take an apprenticeship route and is showing brilliant potential. The judges will be looking for someone who has demonstrated commitment to their course and is actively using the skills they are learning to improve their career development.

This award will be made to a Chef or Cook in a nursery setting, who shows exceptional ability in providing well-balanced, nutritious and delicious food, that takes into account individual needs of children, giving special attention to allergies, sensitivities, cultures and food hygiene. Applicants will be asked about their food preparation skills, menu design, nutritional focus and passion for delivering healthy balanced meals

This award will be won by the nursery which has demonstrated exceptional efforts to boost parent engagement. Parent involvement helps extend teaching and learning outside of the nursery and creates a positive experience for children. The nursery will be able to show examples of how they involve parents and the benefits from it.

This award will be made to a nursery who has shown exceptional contributions to their community. The judges will be looking for evidence of how the nursery goes out of its way to support its community by taking part in local activities. The nursery will also demonstrate how it actively involves staff, parents and children.

An award will be given to a person who has dedicated their career to supporting and championing the early years sector in Scotland. This indeed is for a very special individual who has never ceased to put the wellbeing of children and those who care for them first.