As the Nottingham Baby & Toddler (NBT) Awards continue to grow, we’re committed to ensuring the process remains fair, transparent, and inclusive — celebrating the incredible individuals and businesses that make a real difference to families across our community. Please take a moment to read through the updated nomination and voting guidelines below.

​

1. Eligibility

Nominations are open to individuals, class leaders, and businesses that publicly offer activities, products, or services for babies and toddlers aged 0–5 years, or for new parents, Parents, guardians, and families as defined by the relevant award categories.

2. Self-Nomination & Multiple Entries

You are welcome to nominate yourself, your business, or a franchise that you represent.
Businesses or individuals may enter more than one award category(see exempt duplicate categories), provided each entry meets the specific criteria for that category. When completing the nomination online form, Only write in one nomination per category. If multiple nominations are included in the same text box, the whole nomination will be considered invalid.

3. Category Restrictions

To maintain fairness, nominees cannot be shortlisted for more than one of the below categories:

• Nottingham’s Most Loved Activity for Babies (Pre-Walkers) or

• Nottingham’s Most Loved Activity for Toddlers & Preschoolers or

• Nottingham’s Most Loved Parent Activity Leader

Providers can be nominated in other relevant categories, such as services, play experiences, creatives/brands, or community

star awards.

4. Location Requirement

Nominees must be based in Nottingham or Nottinghamshire and primarily operate within an NG postcode.

5. Category Criteria

Before submitting a nomination, please review the individual award category descriptions to ensure your chosen nominee qualifies and aligns with the category’s purpose.

6. Fairness & Conduct

We are committed to maintaining the integrity of the NBT Awards.
Any form of foul play, duplicate voting, or proxy voting will result in disqualification.
NBT reserves the right to remove any nomination or revoke participation if misconduct is identified.

7. Fair Voting Process

To ensure a fair and transparent vote, email and IP addresses will be collected for validation and spot checks.
By voting, you agree that we may contact you via email to verify your entry or provide event updates.
Votes found to be fraudulent or duplicated will not be counted.

8. Judging & Shortlisting

Once nominations close, entries will be reviewed and tallied.
In the event of a tie, the NBT judging panel will make the final decision.
The top nominees will then be shortlisted and proceed to the public voting round.

9. Notification & Participation

Shortlisted nominees will be notified by email after judging and voting close.
You’ll be invited to attend the NBT Awards Presentation Evening in March 2026.
If you choose not to participate or fail to respond within the timeframe, your shortlist position may be revoked.

10. Shortlist Questionnaire

All shortlisted nominees will be required to complete a short questionnaire, which some of the information will be featured on the NBT website or socials during the awards process.
Completion must be submitted within 10 days of receiving your shortlist notification.

11. Final Voting & Judging

Final results will be based on a combination of public votes and judges’ scoring, using a transparent points system to ensure fairness and balance.

12. Winners Announcement

Winners and runners-up will be announced live at the awards evening.
All decisions are final. No correspondence or detailed scoring breakdowns will be shared.

13. Attendance & Ticketing

There is no cost to enter or be nominated, but all attendees — including shortlisted nominees — must purchase tickets to attend the awards event.

​

​​​

 Growth & Development Updates for 2026

We’ve made several positive developments this year to strengthen the awards process and experience:

• Enhanced fairness measures, including stronger verification and judging transparency.

• Expanded award categories to better recognise creativity, growth, and community impact.

• New working group collaboration to shape category development and reflect community voices.

• Improved visibility and promotion for all shortlisted nominees through our website, email marketing, and social media coverage.

• Commitment to ethical recognition, celebrating those who uplift the community with integrity and genuine care.

• Focus on individual impact in selected categories, ensuring that awards recognise personal dedication and achievements, not just franchises or groups.

NBT AWARDS FAQ 

Q. What is the awards timeline?

​

Voting opens: Sunday 16th November 2025 at 9:00am
Voting closes: Wednesday 31st December 2025 at 11:59pm

​

Shortlist emails: Sunday 11th January 2026 
Shortlist announced & public voting opens: Sunday 1st February 2026 

Meet the Judges (Microsoft Teams): week commencing 26th January 2026

​

Presale tickets go on sale: 1st December 2025 
Full tickets on sale: 1st February 2026 

​

Final voting closes: Sunday 15th February 2026 at 11:59pm
Awards Night: Saturday 7th March 2026, 5:30pm till late

​

Q. Can I nominate myself?

Yes, you can! Individuals, small businesses, and franchises are welcome to self-nominate as long as they meet the award criteria.

​

Q. I have classes in Loughborough and Nottingham. Can I still enter?

Yes – as long as the majority of your classes or services are based in Nottinghamshire (NG postcode), you are eligible to enter.

​

Q. Can I vote more than once?

No. You can only vote once per person, so make your vote count! Duplicate or fraudulent votes will be removed to ensure fairness.

​​

Q. Can I be nominated for more than one award category?

Yes and no,  if you meet the eligibility for each one. Please check the award category criteria before entering multiple categories.

To maintain fairness, nominees cannot be shortlisted for more than one of the below categories:

• Nottingham’s Most Loved Activity for Babies (Pre-Walkers) or

• Nottingham’s Most Loved Activity for Toddlers & Preschoolers or

• Nottingham’s Most Loved Parent Activity Leader

​

Q. Is there a fee to enter the awards?

No – there are no entry or nomination fees.
You’ll only need to purchase tickets if you’d like to attend the Awards Night celebration.

Q. Can I share the voting link on my social media pages?

Absolutely! We encourage you to share your nomination with your customers, followers, and community. You can encourage which category for them to vote for you in too
Just make sure voting remains fair and follows the rules.

​

Q. I’m not sure which categories I can enter.

Take a look at the award category criteria for guidance.
If you’re still unsure, contact us at nottinghambabytoddlerevent@hotmail.com — we’ll be happy to help.

​

Q. Can I become a sponsor and still be nominated?

Yes – sponsors are still eligible for nominations.
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, please get in touch

​

Q. Can I bring my family and friends?

Yes! Each shortlisted nominee will be able to purchase one ticket initially.
Additional tickets for additional guests and friends will be released after 1st February 2026, subject to availability.

​

Q. What is the official hashtag for the awards?

Use #NBTAwards on all social platforms to celebrate your nomination and join the conversation!

Q. How will I know if I’ve been shortlisted, and what happens next?

If you’re shortlisted, you’ll receive an email on 11th January 2026 with details.
You’ll then be invited to a Digital “Meet the Judges” session, where judges can ask questions as part of the evaluation process.
You’ll also receive marketing materials to promote your nomination during the public voting period that does not open until 1st Feb 2026. 

​

Q. Do I have to attend the awards ceremony to win?

Attendance is strongly encouraged – it’s a night of celebration, connection, and community!
If you can’t attend due to exceptional circumstances, you may nominate someone to attend on your behalf, provided it’s confirmed before the final guest list.

​

Q. How are the winners chosen?

Winners are determined by a combination of public votes and judges’ scores.
Judges assess impact, quality, community contribution, and alignment with the NBT values.
All judging decisions are final.

​

Q. Will there be photos or videos from the event?

Yes! The event will be professionally photographed and filmed.
By attending, you consent to NBT using event images and footage for future promotion and celebration of the community.

,

Q. I have another question that isn’t listed here.

No problem! Email us at nottinghambabytoddlerevent@hotmail.com and we’ll be happy to help.