A Big Milestone for Little Pips: NDNA Nursery of the North Finalists

Being shortlisted as a finalist for the NDNA Nursery of the North Awards at the start of 2026 is an achievement that has filled our entire team with immense pride and excitement. To be recognised alongside so many incredible early years settings is truly an honour and we are absolutely thrilled to be part of such a prestigious celebration of excellence in childcare.

From the moment we learned that we had been shortlisted, the feeling across the nursery was one of genuine pride. Every member of our team works incredibly hard each day to create a nurturing and inspiring environment for the children and families we support. To have that dedication recognised at this level is both humbling and rewarding.

Since hearing the news and being informed that a site visit would follow, we have all been eagerly anticipating 'the call', and last week we had the pleasure of welcoming the awards' judge to Little Pips. Our nursery was a true hive of activity from the moment she arrived, offering a real glimpse into the vibrant and busy environment that our children experience every day.

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Our bustling Piazza was alive with exploration and creativity, where children were busy using our brand-new Beaver Bot. This new engineering tool saw the children engaging in hands on learning experiences whilst also promoting sustainable practice of reusing packaging materials to craft, create and imagine. Outside the energy continued with our wild Forest School sessions, where children were immersed in nature and developing confidence, resilience and curiosity through outdoor learning and listening to nature's music.

Back inside the nursery, our Atelier was buzzing with creative expression. The judge saw children from Pips, right through to Oaks, all deeply engaged alongside each other in a paint exploration, experimenting with colour, texture and technique in a space designed to nurture creativity and imagination. It was wonderful to share how these environments support children’s curiosity and how our curriculum promotes children's choice in exploring these areas and ideas freely.

Do not be fooled, our judge certainly knew how to get down to the 'knitty gritty' of education. From curriculum thinking to talking through the data behind our practice, there was plenty of thoughtful conversation along the way. Safe to say, we were ready for it and proud to share the depth of thinking behind everything we do.

Another special moment during the visit was sharing our approach to mealtimes. Our judge was able to see first-hand the care and attention that goes into this important part of the day. Mealtimes in our nursery are a family service where children serve themselves and sit together to enjoy their meals. This encourages independence, conversation and a strong sense of community and turns everyday moments into valuable learning opportunities, and we are extremely proud of the standards we have set.

Throughout the tour, we made sure there was not a nook or cranny left unseen. From our busy learning spaces to the quieter corners where children can reflect and relax, it was a chance to truly showcase the heart of our provision. Of course, it was only right she didn't leave empty handed!  No visit would be complete without a takeaway coffee from our parent Pip Stop in one of our trusty sustainable cups! 

While the awards night in June will undoubtedly be a fantastic celebration for us, this journey has never been just about winning. Simply being shortlisted and recognised among such outstanding settings is already a huge achievement. Having the opportunity to share our story and showcase the wonderful experiences within our nursery has been incredibly rewarding.

Being named a finalist so early into our nursery is definitely a 'pinch us' moment and it is something we will always be proud of, and we are grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside so many inspiring settings that are making such a difference in early years education. Most importantly, this recognition belongs to our entire community. Our passionate staff team, the wonderful children who fill our nursery with energy and curiosity and the supportive families who trust us every day. Together, we all make Little Pips the special place that it is.