We believe great childcare starts with care for people – whether that’s children, families, or the dedicated professionals working behind the scenes. The 2025 Childcare Services Awards gave us a chance to recognise those making a meaningful difference across early years, after-school programmes, inclusive education, and family-focused care. This year’s winners showed how thoughtful practice, creativity and a strong sense of purpose can shape the future of UK childcare.
Our 2025 Childcare Services Award Winners
Winning Outstanding Contribution to the Childcare Industry, Mini Athletics Cambridge and Saffron Walden has built a fun and engaging environment for young children to develop motor skills, confidence and teamwork. Their energetic, movement-based approach reaches children across a wide area and reflects years of consistent, meaningful community involvement.
Dolce Senso was awarded Childcare Provider of the Year for their nurturing, multilingual early years settings. Their curriculum combines play, structure and strong staff-child relationships, helping young children build skills and confidence in a warm, well-resourced environment.
The title of Childcare Leader of the Year went to Superstar Nannies, a UK-based agency that takes great care in matching nannies with families. Their detailed onboarding and ongoing support show how leadership in childcare also means building trust, clarity and long-term relationships.
St Elizabeth’s earned Best SEN Support for their wide-ranging services supporting children and young adults with complex needs. Their person-centred approach spans education, therapy and residential care, offering continuity and specialised support to individuals and their families.
For Exceptional Childcare Curriculum Design, Woodlands Nursery Group impressed with their mix of free-flow learning, outdoor exploration and project-based activities. Their approach is clearly tailored to children’s interests and stages of development, encouraging independence and curiosity.
The Hub Educational Services CIC earned Diversity and Inclusion Champion for their commitment to creating safe, affirming spaces for neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ young people. From educational support to social connection, their services are grounded in genuine understanding and lived experience.
Named Rising Star Award winner, Kidwise After School and Summer Camp is growing quickly through a thoughtful balance of fun and structure. Their sessions are designed to give children a safe, stimulating environment after school and during holidays, with a focus on skill-building and social development.
Recognised for Exceptional Customer Satisfaction, Claire The Wedding Nanny brings calm, experienced childcare to weddings and events. Her flexible service, clear communication and professional standards have made her a valued presence for families during special occasions.
Finally, Wutian Martial Art was named Family Business of the Year for their long-standing commitment to inclusive martial arts education. Their programmes serve children with additional needs, promote confidence and discipline, and reflect the values of consistency and respect at the heart of their practice.
2025 Childcare Services Awards Finalists
- Mini Athletics Cambridge and Saffron Walden – Diversity and Inclusion Champion
- Sammie’s Forest School Sanctuary – Exceptional Customer Satisfaction
- Toad Hall Nursery Group – Best SEN Support, Childcare Provider of the Year
- Bilingual Beats – Exceptional Childcare Curriculum Design
- Claire The Wedding Nanny – Rising Star Award
- Dolce Senso Ltd – Family Business of the Year
- Kidwise After School and Summer Camp – Childcare Leader of the Year
A High-Bar All Round
This year’s Childcare Services Awards winners and finalists represent a wide range of childcare experiences, from high-quality early years settings to innovative after-school clubs and specialist support for neurodiverse children. Across all categories, what stood out was a shared focus on practical delivery, inclusive values and care that extends beyond the classroom.
Whether by designing curriculum around real interests, offering flexible family services or building strong teams of childcare professionals, these providers are shaping childcare in ways that are both sustainable and deeply personal. We’re proud to recognise their work and look forward to seeing how they continue to support the children and families at the heart of what they do.
