NBT AWARDS 2027
HEADLINE SPONSOR
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We are delighted to announce the fourth annual NBT Awards, an exciting new chapter in our journey celebrating the incredible people who make our baby and toddler communities so special.
What began as a celebration of Nottingham’s amazing baby and toddler community has continued to grow, and we’re thrilled to be expanding the NBT Awards beyond Nottingham’s NG postcode area to include surrounding communities such Derby, Ilkeston, Heanor and Loughborough. This exciting next chapter allows us to recognise even more of the wonderful providers, small business owners and parents making a difference to families across Nottingham and the wider surrounding areas.
The NBT Awards are about so much more than an awards evening. They are an opportunity to recognise those who go above and beyond, celebrate the passion and dedication behind independent businesses and family services, and shine a light on the people who support, inspire, connect, and bring positivity to our communities.
As we enter our fourth year, we’re excited to bring even more people together, celebrate the impact of our growing community, and recognise the incredible work happening across Nottingham and beyond.
Here’s to celebrating the people who make a difference, one family at a time.
NOMINATIONS
OPEN
15TH NOVEMBER 2026!!!
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NBT AWARD CATEGORIES
We’re excited to reveal the categories for the NBT Awards 2027!
As we enter our fourth year of the NBT Awards, we’re excited to share the next chapter of our journey! What began as a celebration of Nottingham’s incredible baby and toddler community has continued to grow, and this year we’re expanding our reach to include surrounding areas beyond Nottingham’s NG postcode area.
We’ve continued to listen to feedback, review our categories and look for ways to make the awards even more inclusive, ensuring we recognise the incredible individuals, classes, services and businesses that make a difference to families across Nottingham and beyond.
With refined categories, exciting opportunities for recognition and an even wider community to celebrate, the NBT Awards 2027 will shine a spotlight on the passion, dedication and impact of those supporting babies, toddlers, parents and families.
The published NBT Connect surrounding-area eligibility zone covers Derby, Belper, Ripley, Ilkeston, Heanor, Alfreton, Loughborough, Shepshed, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Coalville, Castle Donington and neighbouring communities outside the core Nottingham NG postcode catchment.
Please read the full terms and conditions for details on categories, eligibility and nomination requirements.
Get ready to nominate your favourite individuals, classes and businesses and help us celebrate the people who make our family community so special!
Nottingham’s Most Loved Independent Baby & Family Brand
This award celebrates independent businesses, makers and creative brands producing wonderful products for babies, toddlers and their families. From handmade treasures and thoughtful gifts to practical essentials and unique creations, this award recognises the creativity, quality and passion behind local brands loved by Nottingham families.
Eligible nominees must be an independent business, maker or creative brand based in Nottingham (NG postcode) that designs, makes or produces products for babies and toddlers aged 0–5, or their parents and guardians.
Nottingham’s Most Loved Family Photographer
This award celebrates the talented photographers capturing precious family memories, from newborn moments and the early days of parenthood to the fun and milestones of toddlerhood. It recognises photographers who combine creativity, care and professionalism to help families preserve memories they will treasure for years to come.
Eligible nominees must be based in Nottingham (NG postcode), specialise in family, newborn, maternity or new-parent photography, and actively engage with or contribute to the Nottingham baby and toddler community. Previous collaboration with NBT is welcomed but is not essential.
Nottingham's Most Loved Service Provider for Baby, Toddlers & Parents
This award recognises the dedicated professionals who provide specialist advice, practical support and personalised services to babies, toddlers and their families. From weaning support, breastfeeding and baby first aid to therapy, coaching and specialist family services, this award celebrates those who make a meaningful difference through their knowledge, care and expertise.
Eligible nominees must be based in Nottingham (NG postcode) and provide specialist services, advice or practical support for babies and toddlers aged 0–5 or their parents and families, with a primary focus on specialist support rather than general activity classes.
Nottingham’s Most Loved Parent Activity Leader
This award celebrates the individuals who create welcoming and supportive spaces for expectant parents and parents of young children. From birth preparation, pregnancy yoga and postnatal exercise to relaxation and wellbeing sessions, this award recognises those who help parents build confidence, feel supported and connect with others.
Eligible nominees must be based in Nottingham (NG postcode) and deliver activities or classes primarily designed for expectant parents or parents and guardians of young children.
Nottingham’s Most Loved Activity Leader for Babies (pre-walkers)
This award celebrates the amazing individuals who create engaging, nurturing and development-focused experiences for babies from birth to their first steps. Whether through sensory play, baby massage, music, movement or other early-years activities, this award recognises those who support early development while bringing joy, connection and confidence to parents and their little ones.
Eligible nominees must be based in Nottingham (NG postcode) and deliver activities specifically designed for babies aged 0–1, particularly pre-walkers.
Nottingham's Most Loved Activity Leader for Toddlers & Preschoolers
This award recognises the brilliant individuals who bring learning, fun and development to life for toddlers and pre-schoolers. From sports and dance to drama, messy play, music and educational sessions, this award celebrates those who inspire little ones to explore, learn new skills, build confidence and make friends.
Eligible nominees must be based in Nottingham (NG postcode) and deliver sessions or activities specifically designed for children aged 1–5.
Nottingham’s Most Loved Community Stay & Play Group for Families
This award celebrates the community-led groups that bring Babies, Toddlers and families together through welcoming, affordable and inclusive stay-and-play experiences. Whether run by volunteers, local organisations or not-for-profit groups, these spaces help children play, parents connect and families feel part of their local community.
Eligible nominees must be based in Nottingham (NG postcode), be a voluntary, community-led or not-for-profit group supporting families with children aged 0–5, and provide stay-and-play opportunities or similar community-based family activities.
Nottingham’s Most Loved Play Experience for Ages 0–5years
This award celebrates the venues and play experiences that create memorable, enjoyable and engaging opportunities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. From indoor play centres and soft play to imaginative pop-up experiences and interactive play spaces, this award recognises places where little ones can explore, play and have fun in a welcoming environment.
Eligible nominees must be based in Nottingham (NG postcode) and provide a play venue or experience specifically designed for children aged 0–5.
Nottingham’s Most Loved Party Supplier or Entertainer for Ages 0–5
This award recognises the entertainers, party suppliers and creative businesses that help make celebrations extra special for young children and their families. From character appearances, popup soft play and party equipment to decorations, themed parties and interactive entertainment, this award celebrates the people who bring little ones’ celebrations to life.
Eligible nominees must be based in Nottingham (NG postcode) and provide party services, entertainment, equipment or supplies specifically suited to celebrations involving children aged 0–5.
NBT Regional Awards
NBT Connect’s Baby & Toddler Community Champion
This award celebrates an individual or team who advocates for and is dedicated to giving back to the wider NBT Connect baby and toddler community. Whether through organising engaging events, running development workshops, sharing expertise, supporting fellow providers, or inspiring others with positive, family-focused content, they help bring parents, providers and families together in meaningful ways across Nottingham and the surrounding areas. This award honours those who embody the spirit of connection, support and positivity, making a meaningful difference within the wider NBT Connect network.
Eligible nominees must be based in Nottingham (NG postcode) or the published NBT Connect surrounding-area eligibility zone, and actively contribute to the baby and toddler community through events, workshops, initiatives, volunteering, knowledge-sharing or content creation aimed at providers, parents, guardians and families.
NBT Connect’s Most Loved Baby & Toddler Provider – Surrounding Areas
This award celebrates the outstanding class leaders, activity providers, play venues and community groups supporting babies, toddlers and their families across the areas surrounding Nottingham. From welcoming community sessions to exciting classes and memorable play experiences, this award recognises providers helping local families connect, learn and make special memories.
Eligible nominees must be based in or regularly deliver services within the published NBT Connect surrounding-area eligibility zone, outside the core Nottingham NG postcode catchment. They must provide activities, classes, play experiences or community support for children aged 0–5 and their families.
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​NBT Connect’s Most Loved Parent & Family Support Service – Surrounding Areas
This award recognises the dedicated individuals, businesses and organisations providing valuable support to expectant parents and families with young children across the areas surrounding Nottingham. From postnatal wellbeing, feeding support and sleep consultancy to family coaching and specialist services, this award celebrates those helping parents feel informed, supported and confident throughout early parenthood.
Eligible nominees must be based in or regularly serve families within the published NBT Connect surrounding-area eligibility zone, outside the core NG postcode catchment. They must provide services, advice or specialist support for expectant parents, parents and guardians, or families with children aged 0–5, meeting the geographical eligibility criteria for the awards.
Make a Difference Award
This award recognises an individual, business, charity or organisation making a meaningful positive difference to babies, toddlers, parents and families in Nottingham. Whether through inclusion, equality, sustainability, raising awareness, providing support or creating initiatives that improve family life, this award celebrates those going above and beyond to create a better community.
Eligible nominees must be based in Nottingham (NG postcode) or have a clear and established Nottingham presence, demonstrate a positive impact on local families through support, inclusion, sustainability, awareness-raising or another meaningful initiative, and provide evidence of their contribution or impact.
Nottingham’s Baby & Toddler Community Rising Star Award
This award celebrates an emerging individual or business making a meaningful impact within Nottingham’s baby and toddler community. Whether they are a new class leader, independent business, service provider or creative entrepreneur, this award recognises those who are building something special and already making a positive difference to local families.
Eligible nominees must be based in Nottingham (NG postcode), have started trading, delivering services or actively operating within the last 18 months from the nomination closing date, and provide services, activities or products for babies and toddlers aged 0–5 or their parents and guardians.
Nottingham's Baby & Toddler Community Shining Star Award
This award celebrates an exceptional individual whose actions and achievements have made a lasting, measurable impact within the Nottingham Baby & Toddler community.
Our Shining Star is someone who not only demonstrates passion, warmth, and dedication — but also creates meaningful, evidence-based change. They may have:
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Achieved a significant milestone or launched a project that has supported families or children.
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Overcome challenges or adversity while continuing to inspire others with resilience and positivity.
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Contributed time, expertise, or resources to give back to the community in powerful, practical ways.
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Grown their service, initiative, or influence in a way that directly benefits families, parents, and providers across Nottingham.
This award honours someone who embodies the values of impact, integrity, and inspiration — whose work uplifts others and whose legacy continues to shine brightly within the Nottingham Baby & Toddler community.
Core Aquatics are a multi award winning, inclusive swim school who provide high quality swimming lessons to children (3+) and adults. We provide small groups, one to one and two to one lessons for all abilities. Once swimmers are advanced, we can continue their journey through our Junior Lifeguard Academy where swimmers can learn other skills such as CPR, first aid, distance swimming, pool snorkelling and more.
Core Aquatics are an inclusive swim school and we have partnerships with Level Water and Autism Swim, one for partially subsidising lessons for swimmers with other abilities or who provide training for swimming teachers respectively. We have proudly maintained our Autism Swim Approved status for the last 4 years and are ‘Gold’.
CORE AQUATICS
An multi award winning, inclusive swim school based in Nottinghamshire for children and adults.
Headline Sponsor
Partner with us
The NBT Awards are more than just an event; they are a platform to recognise those who go above and beyond—those who support, inspire, and bring warmth and positivity to our community. We are inviting employers and businesses to partner with us as sponsors—a unique opportunity to showcase your commitment to local families and small businesses, while aligning your brand with a highly engaged, vibrant community.
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Support local talent and dedication: Recognise individuals who make a difference and inspire others. Your sponsorship helps highlight the achievements of providers, parents, and small businesses who create a nurturing and positive environment.
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Engage with a vibrant community: Connect authentically with families, local entrepreneurs, and community leaders, building visibility, goodwill, and strong brand recognition.
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Invest in community growth and positivity: Strengthen connections, foster collaboration, and support a thriving, inclusive ecosystem where families and providers feel valued and celebrated.
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Enhance your brand profile: Your support will be showcased through extensive marketing—social media campaigns encouraging content sharing by providers and parents, flyers distributed in activity venues, email outreach to our full database, and dedicated information pages on the NBT website.
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Create a meaningful legacy: Be part of an ongoing celebration that inspires and uplifts the Nottingham Baby & Toddler community, leaving a lasting impact year after year.
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By sponsoring the NBT Awards, your business is helping to celebrate the people who make Nottingham a nurturing place for families, while gaining exposure to an engaged and supportive audience. Together, we can recognise excellence, build stronger connections, and inspire positivity across the community.
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Get involved...
We have a number of opportunities available for you to support our Community Awards. This could be financial support,
Financial Support - You can donate financial support to the awards to help with the running of the event in exchange of the perks of a fantastic sponsorship package. Your donation could go towards affordable tickets, decor & set up, marketing and much more!!
Your set budget - Let us help you as much as you help us! what ever you can support with would be appreciated. Your monetary support could go towards something more specific like sponsor the dessert table, table settings or decor!
In - Kind Sponsorship - Why not donate your services? The donation of your venue, services, or products free of cost in exchange for the amazing perks - lets talk to see what this looks like..
Contribution to support elements of the awards evening from raffle organisation, prizes, Your voluntary time to support, promote or help at the awards .
We would be appreciative to any support big or small to allow us to make this an memorable event.
Get in touch for a discussion and more information - nottinghambabytoddlerevent@hotmail.com
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