Prestigious new award launches for nurseries 

Educate Awards is the largest education awards in the North West. Each year, it shines a spotlight on education, and for 2026, it has launched a new category, Most Inspirational Nursery.

Who can enter?

This award is open to private, voluntary and independent (PVI) nurseries, school-based nurseries, and local authority nursery schools. Educate Awards introduced this new category to showcase the exceptional achievements of early years providers. The award will recognise nurseries that make a lasting difference to children between the ages of 0 and 4. 

To be considered for the Most Inspirational Nursery award, nurseries must demonstrate the delivery of innovative approaches, show clear evidence of age-appropriate progress and attainment, and highlight how they have made a positive impact on children, families and the wider community during the 2025/26 academic year. 

Entries should focus on overall nursery practices that have inspired and supported the development, wellbeing, learning experiences, and attainment of young people. 

A word from the founder

Founder of Educate Awards, Kim O’Brien, said:

“I am delighted to announce the launch of Educate Awards’ newest category, Most Inspirational Nursery. The introduction of this award reflects our commitment to recognising excellence across all stages of education.

“Nurseries play a vital role in shaping confident, curious children, and they truly deserve to be celebrated. We look forward to reading about the outstanding work being delivered by nurseries and shining a well-deserved spotlight on teams who give children the very best start in life.”

With the addition of Most Inspirational Nursery, all 21 categories at Educate Awards 2026 provide a unique opportunity to celebrate every aspect of school-life, from exceptional teachers and remarkable support staff to inspirational settings. 

Submissions to the free-to-enter awards should be no more than 800 words and accompanied by a 200-word summary. Entries are now open and will close on Thursday, 16 July 2026. 

Educate Awards 2026 marks its fifteenth year and welcomes the support of its valued associate sponsors:

• All About Futures
• Angel Solutions
• Apprenticeships at Liverpool Hope University
• CER
• CPMM Media Group
• Frank Field Education Trust
• Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Careers Hub
• LJMU
• LSSP
• Portakabin
• Satis Education
• SENDSCOPE

Find out more…

The glittering Educate Awards ceremony will return to the iconic Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on Friday, 13 November 2026 with a dazzling programme befitting its fifteenth anniversary. 

A full list of this year’s categories, as well as entry forms and supporting guidance can be found on the website: educateawards.co.uk