The annual event celebrates excellence across the UK early years sector and this award recognises the nursery environment that ‘most inspires and excites children’.
Based at the University’s Stoke-on-Trent campus, the Woodlands Day Nursery is a sustainable, net zero carbon building surrounded by woodland and a nearby nature reserve.
It provides a fun and nurturing early years environment with flexible learning spaces, and a team that supports and encourages children to thrive.
Amanda Sherratt, Head of Childcare and Family Services, said: “This incredible achievement is a reflection of our team’s creativity, passion, and commitment to providing inspiring, nurturing spaces where every child can learn, explore, and thrive. Our indoor environment has been carefully designed to promote children’s health and wellbeing, it sparks curiosity, encourages independence, and supports each child’s unique learning journey.”
The sustainable ethos runs throughout the nursery – indoor planting, large glass sliding doors and a natural wooden outdoor corridor walkway connects children to nature and the outdoors even when indoors. Children are encouraged to explore sustainability-themed activities like sorting recycling, planting seeds, growing herbs and vegetables indoors.
Learning areas are flexible and multi-use: a wooden construction area can become an animal habitat, train station, spacecraft or beach depending on the children’s intent.
Children help to design the day’s learning, select activities, and reflect on what they’ve discovered – with their work showcased on interactive digital displays, powered by solar energy.
Amanda added: “We are very proud of our amazing staff, whose hard work and dedication make the Woodlands such a warm and stimulating place for children to grow. A heartfelt thank you also goes to our wonderful families and the wider University of Staffordshire community for their ongoing support — this award is for all of us!
“Winning this national recognition inspires us to continue developing exceptional learning environments and delivering the highest quality care and education for our children.”