Nursery World Awards 2026: Early years finalists announced

The finalists for the Nursery World Awards 2026 have been announced, highlighting exceptional standards and innovative practice across the early years sector. These annual awards celebrate the dedication of nursery practitioners, managers and settings that deliver high-quality care and education, recognising the vital role these professionals play in laying foundations for lifelong learning. For Lead Members and local authority commissioners, the awards offer valuable insight into sector-leading practice and quality benchmarks that can inform strategic planning and improvement frameworks. The finalists demonstrate excellence across a range of criteria, from inclusive pedagogical approaches and creative curriculum delivery to outstanding leadership and effective family engagement strategies. Celebrating such achievements underscores the professional status of the early years workforce and the importance of investing in high-quality provision. As local authorities work to expand childcare offers and improve outcomes for young children, recognising these standards helps raise aspirations across the sector and highlights the tangible impact that excellent nursery provision has on school readiness and child development.