More than 100,000 votes cast as community awards return for third year.
The Lots for Tots Awards returned for their third year on Saturday evening, welcoming 263 guests to Burton Albion Football Club for a celebration of the people, businesses and organisations supporting families across the region.
Across 20 categories, awards were presented to both winners and runners-up, recognising excellence in childcare, education, family services and community support.
Run by Beth Wheatley, owner of the popular guide for families with under 5s, Lots for Tots and Lots for Tots Childcare, the awards celebrated their most successful year yet, with over 103,193 votes cast during the first round of public voting alone.
The 2026 awards also saw strong engagement in several newer categories, including Early Years Educator of the Year, won by Gemma from Emmanuel School and Behind the Scenes Star, won by Steph from Connected Perinatal Support CIC.
The categories received significant support from schools, nurseries, education providers and families, highlighting the growing recognition of individuals working behind the scenes to support children and parents.
Particularly high levels of public engagement were seen across The Public’s Business of the Year, won by The Olive Branch Toy Shop and Lots for Tots Readers’ Choice, won by Friends of the Baby Unit.
The awards process included saw nominations received at the start of the year before a first round of public voting selected the finalists. A judging panel, made up of Sam Moore, Headteacher at Aston on Trent Primary School, Libby Layton, Owner of Willow Grace Event Styling, Chris and Hayley, parents and readers of Lots for Tots and Morgan Rae, Marketing Manager at White Post Farm, then selected the winners.
Public choice categories were decided entirely by public vote. The event was supported by headline sponsors Counting Kids, Green Square Medical Group, Almas Industries
Beth Wheatley, owner of Lots for Tots, said: “The Lots for Tots Awards were created to celebrate the people and businesses making a real difference to families locally. Seeing over 100,000 votes cast in the first round alone shows just how valued these individuals, organisations and services truly are within our community. Every finalist should be incredibly proud.”
