Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to:
The ECSDN 2026 Awards Frequently Asked questions page
Question 1
What are the ECSDN Awards?
The ECSDN Awards support and promote the sustainability of high-quality early childhood courses across the UK and celebrate amazing students and the early years workforce as a whole.
Question 3
Where can I find a list of the award categories?
The list of award categories is provided: Graduate of the year, Outstanding Early Childhood practitioner of the year, Researcher of the year, Placement provider of the year, Mentor of the year, Early Childhood advocate of the year, Publication of the year, Social impact of the year, Best innovation / practice with babies of the year, and Early Childhood transformation of the year.
Visit the 'Categories' link above to learn more about the objectives for each category.
Question 5
How do I submit a nomination for an ECSDN Award?
You can submit a nomination by using the 'Enter Now' sub-navigation menu at the top of the page.
Question 7
Who do I contact to discuss these awards?
Use the 'Contact' sub-navigation button at the top of this page.
Question 9
Can an individual be nominated to more than one category?
Yes. Individuals can be nominated to more than one category.
Question 2
Who is eligible to be nominated for an ECSDN Award?
The awards are open to everyone in the early childhood sector, including students and service providers.
Question 4
How are the winners of the ECSDN Awards chosen?
Winners will be chosen by a panel of expert judges drawn from across the early childhood sector.
Question 6
When do entries for the ECSDN Awards close?
Entries close at midnight on the 30 September 2025.
Question 8
Are there any costs associated with the ECSDN Awards 2026?
There are no costs associated with nominating yourself or someone else for an award. However, there is a nominal cost of £20 to attend the awards ceremony.
Question 10
Where and when will the ECSDN Awards 2026, be held?
The awards ceremony will take place on Friday 23 January 2026 at the Hide, Northampton University.