Six OurCoop finalists recognised at the Nursery Management Today Awards
We’re celebrating an incredible six finalist places at this year’s Nursery Management Today Awards, recognising the outstanding work of our Little Pioneers and Co-op Childcare teams.
The awards celebrate nursery providers and professionals across the early years sector who are making a positive difference to children and families, while helping to raise standards of care and education.
Being shortlisted across six categories is a fantastic achievement in itself and reflects the expertise, dedication and commitment of our colleagues across our nurseries.
Our finalists are:
- Wendi Botterill, Manager, Little Pioneers Rathvilly – Manager of the Year
- Shaun Roberts, Acting Deputy Manager, Co-op Childcare Walcot – Deputy Manager of the Year
- Suzanne Willis, Operations Manager – Operations Manager of the Year
- Little Pioneers Hetton – Indoor Environment of the Year
- Little Pioneers – Nursery Group of the Year (Medium)
- Little Pioneers and Co-op Childcare Walcot – SEND Support Nursery/Group of the Year
Suzanne Willis – Operations Manager of the Year
Suzanne was nominated in recognition of the unwavering support she provides to her region of nurseries. Passionate about high-quality early years provision, she goes above and beyond to support her teams, helping them operate effectively and provide the best possible opportunities for children and families.
Wendi Botterill – Manager of the Year
Wendi’s contribution to her colleagues, children and families is truly exceptional. Through her leadership and support, she helps her team to be the best they can be and has helped Rathvilly become one of the best-performing nurseries within the group.
Shaun Roberts – Deputy Manager of the Year
Shaun began his journey with us as a Nursery Assistant before gaining his qualifications and progressing through the business. Having recently stepped into the Deputy Manager role to cover maternity leave, he has continued to make a strong impact at Co-op Childcare Walcot, demonstrating the opportunities available to colleagues who want to build a career in early years.
Little Pioneers Hetton – Indoor Environment of the Year
At Hetton, the nursery environment is designed to inspire curiosity, exploration and a sense of awe and wonder. The team creates exciting opportunities for children to learn and develop through their surroundings, helping them flourish every day.
Little Pioneers and Co-op Childcare Walcot – SEND Support Nursery/Group of the Year
This nomination recognises our commitment to supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. At Walcot, the team goes the extra mile to ensure every child feels included and has the support they need to thrive.
Our commitment to inclusion also extends across the wider group, with a dedicated SEND and Inclusion Lead within our central support team – something that is unusual among nursery groups and helps our teams provide specialist support and guidance.
Little Pioneers – Nursery Group of the Year (Medium)
Being shortlisted for Nursery Group of the Year recognises Little Pioneers as a growing group with a strong identity and a clear commitment to providing high-quality early years experiences for children and families.
We’re incredibly proud to see so many of our exceptional colleagues and nurseries recognised on a national stage.
The finalists will come together at the Nursery Management Today Awards on 7th November at Park Plaza London, Westminster Bridge, where we’ll celebrate alongside other professionals from across the early years sector.
Whatever the results, reaching the shortlist in six categories is a wonderful achievement for everyone involved – and a reflection of the care, expertise and commitment our nursery colleagues bring to their work every day.
We wish Wendi, Shaun, Suzanne and all our Little Pioneers and Co-op Childcare teams the very best of luck!