Coram PACEY is delighted to announce the winners of our Regional Childminder Awards as part of Childminding Week 2026
As part of Childminding Week 2026, our Regional Childminder Awards celebrated the very best childminders in the profession. We wanted to recognise those who make a real difference to children’s lives, set high standards, and inspire others across the sector. Childminders play a unique and vital role in early years education, and through our awards we wanted to see childminders showcase the #MagicOfChildminding in their settings — demonstrating the care, creativity, learning, and support that make such a lasting difference to children’s lives.
This year, we received a record number of incredible entries. Childminders from across each region went above and beyond to support children, families, and their local communities. We were truly impressed by the passion, commitment, and expertise shown in every nomination.
All regional winners are automatically entered into the Childminder of the Year Awards, with the winner to be announced in Autumn 2026.
Here are your winners…
Julie Dixon
Winner for the East of England
“Winning the East of England Childminder of the Year award means so much to me. It celebrates not only my work, but also the wonderful families, children, and local community who have supported and inspired me throughout my 30-year childcare journey.”
Runner-up: Nadine Hastings
Kim Forteath
Winner for the North East (England)
“Early years education is the bedrock for everything that comes after. What we do really, truly matters to the children, their families and our society. Thank you to Coram PACEY for believing in childminders, I am so honoured to have received this recognition for the North East in both 2024 and 2026!”
Jessica Richardson
Winner for the East Midlands (England)
“Winning this award is both humbling and emotional. It reflects the journey, love and dedication behind my setting, and the special bonds built with each family. I feel incredibly thankful and proud, and it is a true privilege to be recognised alongside some of the most dedicated childminders in the country.”
Adele Harrison
Winner for Yorkshire and Humber (England)
“To receive the Coram PACEY Regional Childminder Award has left me shocked, emotional, and incredibly humbled. To be recognised beyond the families who trust me daily means everything. Childminding isn’t just my job—it’s who I am. This has reassured me that what I do truly makes a difference.”
Hannah Watts, Helping Hands Childminding
Winner for South West (England)
“Winning Childminder of the Region means so much to me and my team. It reflects the love, care, teamwork and dedication we give every child and family each day, and we are incredibly proud to be recognised for doing what we truly love”
Imogen Eyre
Winner for West Midlands (England)
“To be recognised for the work I do is a huge honour. I believe deeply in the power a high-quality early education can have on the trajectory of a child’s life and receiving this award makes me all the more confident in the importance of the work I do.”
Runner-up: Caitlin Smith
Claire Nicholls-De Freitas
Winner for South Wales
“Winning this award means the world to me. Munchkinos began in September 2008, and this award recognises years of love, hard work, outdoor adventures, and community. I’m so proud to share it with my husband Toni, the children and their families who all make up Munchkinos”
Runner-up: Sarah Sharpe
Jacqui Gill
Winner for North Wales
“Winning this award means so much to me. At Apple Tree Tots, we’ve worked hard to create a warm, nurturing environment with fantastic facilities where children can be curious, learn, explore and thrive.
I’m incredibly proud of our amazing team I have and so grateful to all the families who continue to support us. This award is truly for everyone involved”
Noreen Ismail
Winner for North West (England)
“Winning this award is a huge honour and reflects my commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences for children, supporting families and sharing practice within the wider early years sector. I hope it also highlights the valuable role childminders play in shaping children’s lives and supporting their communities.”
Runner-up: Lisa Jeffries
Monira Begum
Winner for London (England)
“I feel truly honoured and humbled to receive this award. To be recognised within a profession that often goes unseen, unknown and undervalued means more than words can express. Childminding is not just childcare, it is helping raise tomorrow’s world, little people who will one day re shape society for the better.
I often say this, we are CEOs (Chief Everything Officers): educators, cooks, carers, cleaners, dieticians, counsellors, referees, first aiders, fire marshals, sleep whisperers and often a child’s first best friend outside of their family. Behind the scenes we wear countless hats with love, patience and dedication, helping children feel safe, valued and confident enough to thrive. We help many adults ease into parenthood too.
This award is not just for me in London, but for all my fellow amazing childminders who quietly give their hearts to this profession every single day.”
Runner-up: Carol Kerrey
Daisy Tucker
Winner for South East (England)
“”I’m so honoured and humbled to receive this award from Coram PACEY. I’m proud to stand alongside such amazing individuals and celebrate the work we do as childminders. I feel incredibly lucky to do a job I love every day, one that truly lives in my heart, and share it with fantastic small humans who fill my heart with joy!”
Runner-up: Vikkie Murray
