A Southwick nursery has celebrated its staff and the vital role they play in early years education after winning a Pearson National Teaching Award.
Church Lane Nursery, based at St Michael’s Church Hall, was named a silver winner in the award for Early Years Team of the Year 2026.
Rachel Button, who owns and manages the nursery with Sue Jackson, said: “As a small pack-away setting, we have built a nursery which is inclusive for all. We pride ourself on being a very unique team of ladies with individual skills and strengths that we bring into nursery every day to support each and every child.
“We always hoped we would win this recognition, not just for us but for the whole early years sector, who are so often overlooked for the important work we do with children in the most fundamental years of their learning.”
The nursery celebrated National Thank a Teacher Day on June 17, the day the awards are announced, to thank all the staff and share the work and dedication they show for all its families.
Rachel said: “We have outstanding special educational needs co-ordinators, who support and guide a passionate team of staff who believe in every child. Every staff member has the skills to use a wide range of strategies to ensure every child has the feeling of belonging and gives all children the tools and support to flourish and succeed, this is of upmost importance.
“To us as managers, having an amazing team around us to support both children and our families is priceless. Their hard work, passion, commitment and dedication is truly worth celebration.”
The award nomination noted inclusion was central to the nursery’s ethos and staff used Makaton daily to support clear, inclusive communication, ensuring every child had a voice and was understood.
The nursery was praised for its busy, joyful setting, with staff providing a nurturing, supportive environment where children were valued as individuals and encouraged to progress at their own pace.
There were six regional winners for Early Years Team of the Year 2026. The gold winner will be announced in November.