Submit Your Vote
Lots for Tots Awards 2026
Voting is live! This is your chance to vote for those businesses, charities and people who mean a lot to you. A chance to give recognition to those who are your firm favourites in derbyshire.
You can only vote ONCE. Duplicates will not be counted.
The winners will be decided on a split by public votes and judges points criteria
Voting is open now and will close at 9am on the 18th March.
Businesses who have been shortlisted must submit their supporting information by the 18th February 2026.
Please refer to the T’s & C’s page for more information and rules.
Our Awards Sponsors
Award Categories
Award Categories
Session leader of the year
Open to any individual activity leader, teacher or coach providing children’s activities operating in Derbyshire.
Family photographer of the year
Open to anyone who specialises in family, new parents, newborn, or pregnancy photography operating in Derbyshire.
Baby class of the year (birth to walking)
Open to any company or organisation with a separate programme specifically for children from birth to walking operating in Derbyshire.
Toddler class of the year (walking to preschool)
Open to any company or organisation with a separate programme specifically for children from walking to preschool age operating in Derbyshire.
Customer excellence of the year
Open to any customer facing business within the children's sector operating in Derbyshire.
Event and party services of the year
Open to any party supplier, provider or entertainment company specialising in children's and families parties operating in Derbyshire.
Charity of the year
Open to any not-for-profit focusing on supporting, children or families from pregnancy to children of primary age Must be a registered Charity or Community Interest Group operating in Derbyshire.
Independent business of the year
Open to any small business operating in the children's sector in Derbyshire.
Local Family attraction of the year
Open to any family attraction operating in Derbyshire.
Preschool education provider of the year
Open to any private or mainstream education provider with preschool aged pupils operating in Derbyshire.
Primary age education provider of the year
Open to any private or mainstream education provider with primary aged pupils operating in Derbyshire.
Family support service provider of the year
Open to anyone who offers a support service to families at any stage of parenting from antenatal through to end of primary school. This is for those businesses who offer a families service that is personalised and tailored operating in Derbyshire.
Sports or physical activity provider of the year
Open to any company or organisation with a significant part of their programme based on physical activity operating in Derbyshire.
The Public’s Business of the Year
Open to any company or organisation operating in Derbyshire. This category must be chosen via the public for nominations and voting.
Lots for Tots Readers Choice
Open to any company or organisation who is currently advertising in Lots for Tots Derbyshire Magazine. This category must be chosen via the public for nominations. Businesses cannot nominate themselves for this category. Decision will be made via a mix of Judges decision and public vote.
Volunteer of the Year
Open to anyone who volunteers for a Charity or Not for Profit across Derbyshire. Person must be nominated directly by the charity or not for profit. Please note: We cannot accept nominations for those under the age of 18.
Early Years Educator of the year
Open to anyone working in an early years setting (Nursery to Key Stage 1) across Derbyshire. Nominations can be made by the public, employers, or professionals within the sector. This category must be chosen via the public voting and will have no judges influence or decision.
Franchisee of the year
Open to any individual running a franchise business across Derbyshire. This award celebrates dedication, growth, and excellence within a franchised model. Nominations can be made by customers, employees, franchisors, or fellow business owners.
Local Family Food Retailer of the year
This award celebrates a family-run café or restaurant based in Derbyshire that puts families first — offering great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a place where all ages feel at home.
Behind the Scenes Star
Celebrating the unsung heroes who keep everything running smoothly — from planners, admins, assistants, chefs, and cleaners to those supporting baby classes, activity groups, nurseries, schools, and family businesses. Their hard work often goes unseen, but makes a huge difference every day. This category must be chosen via the public voting and will have no judges influence or decision.
