LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Meet the nominees...
In the final of a three-part special feature, we celebrate the inspiring educators nominated for the Belle Tutaev Lifetime Achievement Award 2026
Nominee: Henrietta Edward-Few
Setting: The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery
Nominated by: Erica Bailey
Early years educator Henrietta began working at The Shepherd’s Hut in March 2024 following the closure of her previous setting.
As well as being much loved among the children, Henrietta is an “extremely supportive” member of the team. She offered her spare time to do gardening for a pregnant colleague and has helped members of the team through family
bereavement.
Erica said: “With Henny, everything is a fantastic learning opportunity – from the smallest insect to planting willow structures with the children. It’s an absolute joy seeing the awe and wonder on the children's faces as Henny shows them how to plant fruit and vegetable seeds and explains how they will grow.
“I have had the privilege to work with many amazing people who go above and beyond in the care and education of young children. Henny is quite simply on another level. She has a wonderful zest for life and her enthusiasm for everything she does is an inspiration.”
Nominee: Tracy Paskins
Setting: The Woodland Nursery
Nominated by: Keith Paskins
Tracy has created two “magical” forest school nurseries that inspire children to connect with nature, respect animals and care for our environment. She brings this ethos to life by building many of the setting’s resources out of recycled and discarded items.
One parent shared that their non-verbal son began singing 'Twinkle twinkle little star' within weeks of starting the setting aged two and a half. They said: "It brought tears to our eyes. From that moment, we knew this nursery was something
truly special."
Tracy’s kindness extends out into the wider community. She built a sensory garden at a local care home where, during the warmer months, the children visit once a week to help tend the plants and interact with the elderly patients. She is also creating a community garden for local residents.
Keith said: “Tracy and her team of fantastic staff have helped thousands of young children flourish, grow and become confident, resilient, independent young people.”
Nominee: Sarah Thomas
Setting: Perranporth Pre-school
Nominated by: Sophie O'Shea
In her role as manager, Sarah’s “passion, resilience and unwavering dedication” has left a lasting impact on community-run Perranporth Pre-school.
Wanting to do more for local families, Sarah overcame funding and logistical barriers to add an extra building, expanding provision to include children from nine months and addressing a critical shortage of available places in the area.
Her inspiring leadership guided the team to an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating, showing just how much love and hard work she pours into the setting every day.
Sophie said: “The benefits of Sarah’s work are clearly seen in the children themselves. They are confident, happy and engaged learners who feel safe and valued.”
Nominee: Stella Jones
Setting: Westborough Pre-school
Nominated by: Olayinka Obire
Stella's dedication as owner and manager have left a lasting impression on her community, ensuring every child leaves her care feeling confident and fully prepared for their transition into reception class.
Driven by a "steadfast commitment to accessibility", she keeps fees as low as possible so that more children in her community can access quality early education.
Her warmth and exceptional leadership has resulted in an
impressive 0% turnover rate, with most of the setting’s educators remaining by her side for over 10 years.
Olayinka said: “She is an exceptional leader that carries her team along in the most endearing manner.”
Nominee: Ruchi Viyala
Setting: Sunshine Kidz Nursery
Nominated by: Natalie Holmes
Owner and toddler room leader Ruchi has dedicated her career in the early years to creating a warm and welcoming space where every child feels included. Her care and dedication makes a real difference to the families she works with, extending beyond the children to the parents themselves when they need it the most.
She also works hard to support her team, making sure every educator feels happy and well supported.
Natalie said: "Ruchi goes above and beyond for all the children she cares for, providing them a different learning experience every day. Not only that, she goes above and beyond for all the staff that work at Sunshine Kidz, constantly checking in on staff wellbeing and given them support as and when needed."
Nominee: Joanne Wyatt
Setting: Fryerns Community Playgroup
Nominated by: Louise Powell
For more than 25 years, Joanne has given her all to the children and parents that have attended Fryerns Community Playgroup. As manager, she makes a big effort to remember every child's name and has left such a lasting impact that former attendees are now bringing their own children to the setting.
Despite facing personal health challenges that have impacted her mobility, Joanne continues to show up every day and gives 100% to the children and the setting.
Louise said: “She is an inspiration and her dedication to the job shows through in all that she does.”
Nominee: Charlotte Austen
Setting: Little People's Montessori
Nominated by: Elisa Elcomb
Charlotte has been dedicated to educating, caring and nurturing children since she was a child herself. Her dream of running her own setting came true when she opened Little People's Montessori 12 years ago.
With over 20 years of experience in early years, Charlotte chose to open her setting in an area where children often miss out on access to outstanding care and education. As well as making a difference to the lives of many children, she
is a respectful leader who builds a happy, supportive atmosphere for her team.
Elisa said: "Every child and parent only speak highly and lovingly of her, as do the colleagues she has worked with along the way. She truly is an amazing person who deserves recognition."
Nominee: Amanda Welch
Setting: Footprints Family Centre
Nominated by: Nicole Jarvis
Centre manager Amanda has dedicated more than 30 years to her community, bringing stability and compassion to an area facing social and economic disadvantage. Despite limited resources and a rising demand placed on community services, she has never wavered in her goal to provide a safe and welcoming environment for local families.
Amanda has always prioritised the wellbeing of the community. She has carried out home visits to support
families in crisis, helped parents access employment and training, and encouraged many to volunteer at the centre.
A volunteer at the setting said: “I started as a parent, now I am a volunteer and have been for over 25 years. My confidence has grown massively thanks to the courses and training provided by Mandy and the organisation. I wouldn’t just consider her a boss; I would consider her a friend.”
Nominee: Shirley McGuirk
Setting: St Claire's Childcare
Nominated by: Karen Hodgson
Playworker Shirley has recently retired after a lifetime of working with children and young people, including 15 years at St Claire’s. Throughout her career, Shirley has consistently declined promotions to more senior or administrative roles, choosing instead to prioritise quality time with the children. Her focus has always been “to be there to make each child’s day as good as she can”.
Karen said: “Shirley doesn’t let anything stop her where others might. Despite adversity at home, when she found out her husband was very ill and provided palliative care for him, Shirley rarely missed coming into work, always saying that the brightness of the children kept her going.
“I remember when we were having a difficult time as a team, she brought an egg to a staff meeting reminded us that as one we are strong and full of potential, but pressure in the wrong place and we'll crack and fall apart. Everyone listened because Shirley spoke. That's her quiet magic."
Under 5 magazine
The magazine of the Early Years Alliance