Prestigious NDNA nursery awards are back for 2027 to celebrate the early years sector
NDNA is delighted to announce the launch of the NDNA awards 2027, which are now open for nurseries and NDNA networks to enter across the UK. Our awards celebration will return to the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on Friday 9 July 2027.
The showpiece awards event, proudly sponsored by Hope, will highlight and celebrate the leading talent and outstanding achievements from the early years sector. There is also a new maths award for next year’s event.
Popular awards returning for 2027 include:
- Nursery of the Year (across nations and overall)
- Practitioner, Manager and Apprentice of the Year
- Community Support/Charity Fundraising
- Excellence in Additional Needs
- Network of the Year
- Family Engagement
- Scotland Children’s Rights
Awards are sponsored by various partners including Christie & Co and Citation.
For 2027 we are introducing a new award, Learning Through Play: Making Maths Meaningful. Judges are looking for nurseries that offer a play-based curriculum in which maths is embedded throughout everyday practice. Mathematical thinking is nurtured through rich playful experiences, enabling children to explore, reason and make connections. The shortlisted nurseries will support children to develop confidence in and a love of maths.
Tim McLachlan, Chief Executive of NDNA, said: “Our awards event is the highlight of our calendar, when we can all get together and celebrate how truly special and amazing our sector is. It’s vital that we showcase the work that nurseries do across the UK and shine a light on our early years stars who spend their days giving our youngest children their best start in life.
“Winning or being nominated for an award is a wonderful way to both promote your nursery and recognise the dedication and hard work of your staff. We love sharing your stories with a wider audience, so please tell us and let’s celebrate. Please fill out your nomination today.”
Louise Lloyd-Evans, Founder and CEO of Nursery of the Year 2026 winner Young Friends Kindergarten in Brighton said: “Winning Overall Nursery of the Year meant the world to all of us — recognition not just of what we do, but how we do it, with real care for our children, families and the natural world. Our team feel genuinely proud and our families have shared in it too.
“We’re finding more families come to us having heard about the award and it has given others real confidence in the sustainability venture we’re beginning as a setting. I’d encourage any setting to enter: it makes you reflect on your own practice, make your team proud of what they do and the recognition can open doors.”
The winners of these awards will be voted for by our esteemed panel of judges, as well as parents who prize highly-skilled practitioners and high-quality environments where children can thrive and develop.
Finalists can enjoy a memorable evening at the beautiful Titanic Spa Hotel in Liverpool’s historic Stanley Dock with a drinks reception and three-course dinner before the awards ceremony and an opportunity to party and celebrate until the small hours.
When she won Apprentice of the Year in June 2026, Laura Walachowksa of Burbage Preschool said: “I was completely shocked when my name was announced. Just being shortlisted was an amazing achievement, so to win is something I never expected. I’ve learned so much and I’m excited about continuing my career in early years.”
Registering your nursery and submitting an application for an award is simple, visit www.votendna.org.uk or find out more at www.ndna.org.uk/nursery-awards-2027/
The deadline for awards submissions and parent votes in respective categories is 8 January 2027. Make sure to check the terms and conditions of the awards and the awards FAQs section before entry.
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