Earlier this year, we were delighted to share the news that Bright Beginnings had been shortlisted as one of just four finalists in the prestigious Nursery World Awards for Inclusive Practice. We are now thrilled to announce that, following the awards ceremony in London on Saturday, Bright Beginnings was named the winner.

While receiving a national award is a wonderful achievement, what makes us most proud is the journey that led us here.

Inclusive practice has been at the heart of Bright Beginnings for many years. As a nursery with over 40 years of childcare provision on campus, we have always welcomed families from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Today, around 70% of our families speak English as an additional language, creating a rich, diverse, and vibrant community that we are proud to be part of.

Several years ago, we began reflecting on how we could strengthen our approach to inclusion even further. We asked ourselves some important questions:

• Do our children see themselves reflected in our environment?
• Do our families feel a genuine sense of belonging?
• Are we confident enough to have meaningful conversations about culture, religion, and race?
• What more can we do to ensure every child feels valued and respected?

These questions sparked a journey of learning, reflection, and growth. Through unconscious bias training and our work alongside Dr Sharon Colilles, our practitioners explored their own identities, challenged assumptions, and developed the confidence to create even more inclusive and respectful environments where every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated.

As a result, we have made meaningful changes to our learning environments, resources, and daily practice. Our books, displays, and learning spaces better reflect the children and families who attend Bright Beginnings. Families have generously shared artefacts, traditions, stories, and experiences that have enriched our provision and created authentic opportunities for children to learn from one another. These conversations continue every day through play, celebrations, curiosity, and respectful discussion.

What made this award particularly special was the judges’ recognition that inclusive practice is an ongoing commitment rather than a destination. In their feedback, they commented:

“The reflective approach is what sets this apart. They recognise that inclusion is never done – you constantly have to change, grow and adapt – and that crucially inclusive practice benefits all children within a setting.”

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible staff team for embracing this journey with such dedication, openness, and professionalism. We are also immensely grateful to our children and families for sharing their cultures, traditions, experiences, and heritage, helping us create a community where everyone belongs.

To be recognised nationally among hundreds of entries from across England is an incredible honour. We are extremely proud of this achievement and remain committed to continuing our journey of learning, growth, and inclusion for the benefit of every child and family we serve.

Thank you for being part of our story.