Awards 2025: Celebrating Our Tiny Toez Stars
The Tiny Toez Nursery Awards celebrates the amazing achievements and commitment of the wonderful educators who make our nurseries such nurturing and inspiring places every day. This year’s awards were a chance to pause, reflect, and recognise just how much passion and hard work runs through every Tiny Toez setting. With so many heartfelt nominations submitted, it was clear just how valued and appreciated our teams truly are. Well done to all our finalists and the winners of this year’s Awards!
Our Deputy of the Year category featured five strong nominations, and the judges thoroughly enjoyed reading each one. Every nomination highlighted the dedication, leadership, and support that our Deputies provide daily, often going above and beyond for their teams and children.
Congratulations to our nominees: Kirsty Blackburn (Lords), Keely Coxon (Treehouse), Lisa Tinsley (Westfield), Jo Mills (Cannock), and Lisa Davis (Tamworth).
After careful consideration, the winner was Lisa Davis from Tamworth, a well-deserved recognition for her outstanding contribution.
The Childcare Practitioner of the Year category proved to be especially competitive, with an impressive 16 nominations. This reflected the high standards of care, teamwork, and enthusiasm across all our nurseries.
Our nominees were Kelly Chetwynd (East Valley); Nandini Mair and Leanne Millward (Tividale); Charlotte Shannon and Charmain Freeman (Lords); Laura Rossi and Leanne Holland (Treehouse); Sally Zakrzewski and Samantha Kennedy (Westfield); Jackie Smith, Beth Miller, Sinead Deeprose, and Callum Jennings (Cannock); and Russ Hilton (Tamworth). Callum Jennings also received two additional nominations from team members, highlighting his positive impact.
Because of the exceptional entries that came though, two winners were awarded in this category: Nandini Mair from Tividale and Callum Jennings from Cannock.
The Rising Star award recognised individuals who are already making a big impact early in their Tiny Toez journey. With six nominations, this was a wonderful way to celebrate new and emerging talent. Well done to Stephanie Rowley (East Valley), Chanel Garratt (Tividale), Chloe Whetnall (Treehouse), Bobby Day (Westfield), Ellie Lindsay, and Sophie Breakwell (Cannock).
The winner was Bobby Day from Westfield, whose dedication and enthusiasm truly stood out.
Last but certainly not least we have the Nursery Manager of the Year award. It is one of our most meaningful recognitions, celebrating outstanding leadership and the incredible impact our Managers have on their nurseries, teams, and families. This award was carefully decided using a wide range of criteria to reflect both people-focused leadership and overall nursery performance during the last 12 months.
Judging looked closely at areas including atmosphere, organisation, initiative, and a willingness to support colleagues and share knowledge. Operational measures were also considered, such as accreditation, accident management, registered places, occupancy, arrears, enquiries, conversions, complaints, staff retention, reviews, and overall financial performance. This ensured the award truly reflected excellence in all aspects of nursery management.
After reviewing all of this in detail, we are delighted to announce that the winner of Nursery Manager of the Year is Jayne Heaven-Bates from Tamworth Nursery.
Jayne’s consistent dedication, strong leadership, and commitment to creating a positive, well-run, and welcoming environment stood out across every area. Her support for her team, focus on quality care, and ability to balance operational excellence with a cosy nursery atmosphere truly embody what Tiny Toez is all about.
A huge congratulations to all of our nominees and winners, your hard work and care for the children and families are what make Tiny Toez such a special place. 🌟