The Nursery World Awards, now in their fifth year, have become the topaccolades for the sector, and do a wonderful job of showcasing the bestpractice and the people who do the most important work in the world insupporting and nurturing young children.
The early years sector has faced many challenges of late, with therevised Early Years Foundation Stage now launched, the Government'sresponse to the Nutbrown Review imminent, and a new inspection systemunder way. The Department for Education ministerial team has been shakenup too, with the result that there is a great deal of uncertainty aboutthe future.
More than ever, we need to pause and remember how important it is thatwe celebrate the vital role of the early years sector in the lives ofchildren and families.
This supplement brings you a selection of very worthy award winners,including some in new categories such as children's centre team of theyear, nursery operations/regional manager of the year, and outstandingcontribution. We also highlight the Pearson/Nursery World childcarestudent of the year, which was awarded at this year's event at the verypopular Lancaster London hotel. Look out for photos of the ceremony withall the celebrations and dancing soon!
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 andskills so generously to decide on our winners. Special mentions go toWendy Scott, who once again visited our nursery of the year shortlist -and whose visits are seen as a prize in themselves - and Annie Seeleyand Jane Harrison, who enjoyed first-hand tastings of the meals at thesettings on the nursery food shortlist.
Make sure you enter the awards next year!
Liz Roberts, Editor of Nursery World, Chair of judges.
