Norland Nanny wins prestigious Graduate of the Year award
27 February 2026
Norland is delighted to announce that Norland graduate Matilda Norton has been named Graduate of the Year at the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network Awards 2026.
The Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN) Awards recognise individuals who have positively contributed to the early childhood sector including students, graduates, professional practitioners and institutional settings from across the UK early childhood sector. The awards ceremony took place on Friday 23 January 2026 at the University of Northampton, bringing together leading voices in early childhood education to celebrate excellence in research, innovation, and practice.
Categories celebrate achievements in research, innovation, practice and advocacy, highlighting the incredible work of professionals shaping the future of early years education.
Matilda (Set 144) has been awarded Graduate of the Year, recognising her exceptional academic performance, dedication to professional practice, and commitment to excellence. Her achievements demonstrate the high standards and commitment exemplified by Norland graduates.
The ECDSN judges said: “Matilda was able to demonstrate exceptionally high standards, recognising her charges needs and rapidly evolving needs in complex circumstances.”
We are delighted to celebrate Matilda’s achievement in securing this prestigious win. Her success reflects the hard work and determination she demonstrated throughout her training and early professional journey.
In addition to Matilda’s achievement, two other Norland graduates were shortlisted for awards: Connie (Set 146) for the Researcher of the Year and Fern (Set 146) for Best Innovation/Practice with Babies. Norland is immensely proud of all three graduates for their outstanding practice, which led to their well-deserved recognition in these categories.
In addition to celebrating our graduates, Norland was proud to sponsor the Placement Provider of the Year Award, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting high‑quality early years environments and the settings that nurture outstanding professional practice. Placement provider of the year was awarded to Rachel Landen from Keepers Gate Forest School in Weston-super-Mare. The judges said: “This setting exemplifies best practice in placement provision. Students are given meaningful responsibilities, encouraged to engage with children’s learning, and supported in linking theory to practice.”
We are incredibly proud of all three graduates who were shortlisted and represented Norland at the ECDSN Awards. Their recognition highlights the strength of their professional practice and the enduring impact of their training. Together, their achievements reflect not only their exceptional talents and hard work, but also demonstrate how Norland graduates continue to contribute meaningfully to the early childhood sector and uphold the high standards for which Norland is known.
For more details about the ECSDN Awards visit their website
