LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Meet the nominees
In the first of a three-part special feature, we celebrate the inspiring educators nominated for the Belle Tutaev Lifetime Achievement Award 2026
Nominee: Jodie Burns
Setting: Braeside@Sunflower Day Nursery
Nominated by: Alexandra Capp
In her role as Senco, Jodie "provides endless amounts of support" to the children and their families. Despite managing personal difficulties, she carries an immense responsibility and campaigns tirelessly to protect the rights of children.
Since Jodie assumed the role of Senco, the setting has experienced a significant increase in registrations for children with SEND. This surge is a direct result of the local authority actively recommending the setting due to her expertise, demonstrating the profound impact she has on the community.
Nominee: Megan Emeny
Setting: St Andrews Pre-school
Nominated by: Aylin Bone
As a dedicated deputy manager, Megan's "calm and organised approach" creates a stable, loving environment where the children thrive and educators feel motivated and supported.
Her expertise in early child development shine through in her leadership, guiding her team to ensure "safeguarding, inclusion and high-quality practice are consistently embedded across daily routines".
Aylin says: "Partnerships with parents are strengthened through Meg's approachable and professional communication. She supports families by listening to concerns, sharing information, and working collaboratively to support children's learning and development."
Nominee: Clare Purdy
Setting: Rainbow Corner Nursery School
Nominated by: Lucy Whitehead
Over her 30 years career at Rainbow Corner, deputy manager and Senco Clare has always put the needs of the children at the very centre of everything she does.
Originally training as an NNEB nursery practitioner, Clare has continued to expand her expertise by taking on numerous CPD courses over the years, including her Senco Level 2 accreditation, which has been invaluable in providing support for children with SEND and connecting parents to vital local services.
Clare has developed additional areas in the setting, such as the 'calm corner' in which the children can rest, relax and explore their feelings.
Most recently, she successfully secured an EHCP for a child a year before they were due to attend school.
Nominee: Dawn Rigby
Setting: Various
Nominated by: Debbie Franklin
Early years consultant, lecturer, advisor and freelancer Dawn has dedicated her working life to the improvement of the early years sector.
Beginning as a Montessori teacher, Dawn is said to be one of the first people to obtain Early Years Professional Status and set about using her new qualification to mentor her peers, later achieving teacher status and completing a Master's degree.
While lecturing and mentoring, Dawn also volunteered at a local pre-school and ran a successful early years
education blog Tales from the Sandpit. She went on to publish a book called Making Play Work and has also appeared as a guest speaker on various early years platforms and webinars.
Debbie said: "I have never met anybody so dedicated to early years."
Nominee: Sara Townsend
Setting: Little Learners Day Nursery
Nominated by: Ashleigh Bishop, Quinn Tracy, Maxine Loy, Anusha Kuttva, Janine Turner, Ana Luisa Vilar, Lucy Cooke, Susan Antonio, Chaitali Ray and Elzbieta Spodnik
Standing out as this year’s most nominated individual with ten submissions, area manager Sara Townsend has been the “heart and soul” of Little Learners since 2002, consistently working out of hours, jumping into ratios and even feeding the setting’s animals on the weekends.
She has been a huge support to her team members over the years. When Quinn suddenly lost her beloved father and Maxine faced homelessness and overwhelming personal tragedy, Sara was there as a
listener and a caring mother figure.
Even while experiencing her own personal grief, Sara showed up every day and continued to put “her energy, care and whole heart” into all three of her branches.
Ashleigh said: “Quite simply, Sara is Little Learners. Her leadership, loyalty and selflessness embody the values of Little Learners. She is not only a colleague but a mentor, a role model, and a constant source of strength and encouragement. [...] Little Learners would not be the same place without her.”
Nominee: Natasha Tyler
Setting: Bidbury Pre-school
Nominated by: Claire Green
Nominated for "her extraordinary commitment, resilience and transformational leadership”, Natasha stepped into the role of manager with minimal formal guidance during an incredibly challenging period in her personal life.
Claire explained: “At the time, she was navigating a serious, life-changing health condition and was very unwell. Many would have understandably stepped back; Natasha stepped forward.”
Natasha "has cultivated a culture of accountability, warmth and high standards” and the pre-school is now thriving.
Claire said: “Her door is always open, her advice always thoughtful and her care always genuine.”
Nominee: Debra Hastings
Setting: Frimley Green Pre-school
Nominated by: Debbie Franklin
Beginning her career as a nurse, Debra has dedicated the last three decades to early years education, acting as a “mentor and support” for her team at Frimley Green.
As early years practitioner and Senco, Debra has advocated for children with SEND and has worked with local businesses to improve outcomes for deprived children in the area.
Debra’s work as climate ambassador supports the setting’s children to learn about sustainability. She also organises fundraising activities and has set up a community book swap.
Outside of the setting, Debra has supported the local college as an assessor of level 3 students and was on the advisory board of the local children's centre until they closed. She also helped fellow nominee Dawn Rigby to write Making Play Work.
Now retired, Debra still volunteers at Frimley Green and she continues to support children with complex needs.
Nominee: Zubeada Bham
Setting: Blenheim Playgroup
Nominated by: Feroza Patel
Zubaida is an “exceptional SEN support”. Her knowledge and understanding of Makaton has “had a significant positive impact on both staff development and the children’s ability to communicate”. She uses it confidently and actively supports colleagues to do the same by modelling signs, providing encouragement and helping to build their confidence.
Zubaida prioritises trusting relationships with families and is always looking for new ways to improve outcomes for the children.
Feroza said: “Her commitment, initiative and genuine care make her an invaluable member of our team. She truly deserves recognition for her hard work, expertise and the positive difference she makes every day.”
More nominations next month!
Due to a high number of nominees for this year’s Belle Tutaev Lifetime Achievement Award, we have split the list across three issues to ensure every nominee gets to limelight they deserve. Part two will be published in the October edition of Under 5.
Under 5 magazine
The magazine of the Early Years Alliance