Welcome to the Kids Planet Awards
You are invited to the Kids Planet Awards 2026. A moment to come together, recognise one another, and celebrate the successes that define who we are.
The Kids Planet Awards are about more than achievements — it’s about people. It’s about the dedication, the teamwork, and the everyday efforts that often go unseen but never go unnoticed. Each of you contributes to something bigger, and our awards ceremony is our chance to shine a light on that.
Kimpton Clocktower
Oxford Street, Manchester
Manchester's most iconic landmark provides the stage for an immersive Moulin Rouge experience — rich velvet tones, warm amber glow, and Parisian elegance in the heart of the city.
The 2026 Winners
From 1,966 nominations, these are the people and teams celebrated on the night. Congratulations to every winner and every finalist, and thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a colleague.
Academy Champion of the Year
- ★ WinnerEleanor ConnellyTraining Academy
- Finalists
- Marie KershawTraining Academy
- Nicola PoulterTraining Academy
- Emily NelsonTraining Academy
- Lyndsey BradleyTraining Academy
Area Manager of the Year
- ★ WinnerSusan Mitchell
- Finalists
- Lisa Taylor
- Amy Webster
- Nadia Salim
- Chelsey Smart
Apprentice of the Year
- ★ WinnerDanielle CarrAltofts
- Finalists
- Abbey BeresfordBromley
- Nepta Gamaleldien ElarabiJack Straws Lane
- Jessica HumpreysCanal House
- Emily MoffittCongleton
Kids Planet Gives Award
- ★ WinnerSevenoaks Management TeamSevenoaks
- Finalists
- Adele ThabetFazakerley
- Bike Riding BaldiesCentral Support
- Deandrea KennedyOutdoor Team
- Katy DyerHalton
OOSC Champion of the Year
- ★ WinnerMacy CunniffeQueen Street
- Finalists
- Susan HindAnchorsholme
- Andrea BerryHaslington
- Debbie EvansNorbreck
- William KnightWitney
Deputy Manager of the Year
- ★ WinnerCharlotte WilliamsonJack Straws
- Finalists
- Shannon McSheraDudley Hill
- Natalie LewisBeamont
- Emma RamsdenDerby Street
- Cara KilleyStanley Square
Driving Excellence Award
- ★ WinnerMaddy CrilleyProduct Owner, Data Team
- Finalists
- Ally HobbsTraining & Integrations Director
- Tom RowlinsonPeople Systems Analyst, People Team
- Matthew CollierCommercial Finance Business Partner, Finance
- Amy Brennan-StephensonMarket Strategy & Planning Manager, Marketing
Early Years Advisor of the Year
- ★ WinnerKatie PayneEarly Years Advisor Team
- Finalists
- Kirstie SterickerEarly Years Advisor Team
- Clare CottonEarly Years Advisor Team
- Lucy WalkerEarly Years Advisor Team
- Suzy MarshEarly Years Advisor Team
Inspiring Leader of the Year
- ★ WinnerSarah EyesHead of Careers, People Team
- Finalists
- Jade GregsonPoulton Carr Head
- Trinity RobertsPudsey
- Faye CharleworthWarrington
Kitchen Team of the Year
- ★ WinnerRebecca DuttonWarrington
- Finalists
- Nathan LloydLinthwaite
- Wendy RoseButterfly Lodge
- Denise & KarenSandbach Montessori
- Paula LawsonWyke
Mentor of the Year
- ★ WinnerMandy CharlesQueen Street
- Finalists
- Molly GriffithsDenbigh
- Andy RowsonHead of IT, Central Support
- Jenny AshworthClifton Lodge
- Claire BraiserBradmore Road
Nursery Manager of the Year
- ★ WinnerLaura ScholeyQueen Street
- Finalists
- Katie ScanlonStanley Square
- Hannah Carter BloorSandbach Montessori
- Anne SmithenVictoria Hospital
- Kirsty PoulterPudsey
- Rachel BeresfordBromely
Outdoor Advocate of the Year
- ★ WinnerLeanne WhiteBromley
- Finalists
- Samina AliJack Straws
- Emilia DarganCanal House
- Carl JukesClifton Lodge
- Sarah WintelAbergele
Early Years Educator of the Year
- ★ WinnerGrace DoddHaslington
- Finalists
- Maddie FettisAltrincham
- Mahima BegumGables
- Neil YoungVictoria Hospital
- Emily GoodmanSolihull
Room Leader of the Year
- ★ WinnerJessica BaileyApley
- Finalists
- Paige WoodersonButterfly Lodge
- Kate DarrochWallasey
- Charlotte CullertonAltrincham
- Emily BarberKingswinford
SEND Support of the Year
- ★ WinnerKirsty LightowlerDudley Hill
- Finalists
- Maureen DugganWallasey
- Kirsten EddlestonMiddlewich
- Lorna WatsonAltofts
- Zoe RobertsApley
Super Squad of the Year
- ★ WinnerData Team
- Finalists
- Finance
- Area Managers
- Training Academy
- Outdoor Team
Unsung Hero of the Year
- ★ WinnerNikki CloseAltofts
- Finalists
- Ami WilcoxInternal Training Officer, Internal Training Team
- Charlotte WelchBromley
- Meg BettoniExecutive Assistant
- Samantha SmithBlackburn
Well-Being Champion of the Year
- ★ WinnerJade AndrewsBlackpool
- Finalists
- Karen NewellHalesowen
- Charlotte WelchBromley
- Lucy EganKettering
- Paula ManleyFazakerley
Parent Hero of the Year
- ★ WinnerCallum LairdIrlam
- Finalists
- Laura BurrowsLutterworth
- Ella SpencerBillinge
- Jade GregsonPoulton Carr Head
- Kayliegh AdamsSpringhead
OOSC of the Year
- ★ WinnerDenbigh
- Finalists
- Queen Street
- Norbreck
- Haslington
- Middlewich
Pride of Kids Planet
- ★ WinnerAmy Carroll and the Rugeley team
Nursery of the Year
- ★ WinnerCheadle Stoke
- Finalists
- Jack Straws Lane
- Ettrick Grove
- Penketh
- Stockport
- Little Lever
- Halesowen
An Evening to Remember
From the moment you arrive, you will be transported into a world of cabaret glamour and theatrical wonder. A night of entertainment, recognition, and pure spectacle.
Submit Your Nomination
The Kids Planet Awards exist to shine a light on the people who make our organisation extraordinary. Select a category below and tell us about someone who deserves to be celebrated.
✦ Nominations are completely anonymous — we do not collect any details about you. ✦
Nominating for: —
Note — please give the specific setting (e.g. Altrincham), don't enter 'Kids Planet'.
Nomination Received
Thank you — your nomination has been submitted. Our judging panel will review all entries and shortlists will be announced ahead of the event night. The Moulin Rouge awaits.
The Judging Panel
Our judges bring expertise, integrity and passion to every category. All shortlist decisions are made independently and impartially.
Our Charity Partner
Alder Hey Children's Charity raises funds towards the pioneering work at Alder Hey. Your support ensures the 450,000 children they see each year will have access to the best facilities and equipment, and that the benefits of their innovating work are felt by families throughout the world.
On the night, we will be hosting a charity raffle in support of Alder Hey. Prize information will be announced shortly. All proceeds, minus payment processing fees, go directly to this extraordinary cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
