Awards and recognition

Compiled by High Fliers Research, The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers celebrates organisations that provide exceptional apprenticeship opportunities. Ranked 21st in the UK, Snapdragons Academy was recognised for its investment in apprentices, high-quality training, career development, and dedication to helping people build rewarding careers in the early years sector.

Millie's Mark is an accreditation scheme that raises standards of paediatric first aid in early years settings. Named after Millie Thompson, it ensures all staff are equipped to respond swiftly and competently in an emergency, with skills refreshed regularly so teams stay confident when every second counts.

The Curiosity Approach is a framework that encourages settings to create environments that are calm, stimulating, and supportive of children's curiosity and learning. It is based on the belief that children learn best when they are free to explore, play, and investigate at their own pace, in a safe and nurturing environment.

UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools is a framework that encourages settings to create environments that are respectful of children's rights and to promote children's voices in decision-making. It is based on the belief that children have the right to be heard and to have their voices respected in all aspects of their lives.

Judges described our baby and toddler provision as "very thoughtful, and shows care and respect for both babies and their parents". The award recognised specialist training, policies, and environmental audits that put empathy and compassion at the heart of care for our youngest children - embedded across every Snapdragons nursery.

The Soil Association awarded Snapdragons their highest Food for Life Served Here standard - Gold - in a record-breaking time. It assures organic ingredients, farm-assured meat, local produce, high animal-welfare standards, and at least one meat-free day each week. Many children eat the majority of their weekly meals with us, so this accreditation is central to how we cook and source food across our nurseries.

Ofsted Outstanding is a judgement that is given to nurseries that are outstanding in all areas. It is based on the belief that nurseries should be outstanding in all areas and that they should be able to provide the best possible care and education for children.

The Children's Food Trust Award is a recognition for nurseries that are able to provide nutritious food and a positive food culture that helps children enjoy healthy eating at nursery. It is based on the belief that nurseries should be able to provide the best possible care and education for children.

The LABC Awards is a recognition for nurseries that are able to provide a high quality design and build quality. It is based on the belief that nurseries should be able to provide the best possible care and education for children.

The Bristol Standard is a quality improvement framework that supports reflective practice and continuous development across early years teams. It is based on the belief that early years teams should be able to provide the best possible care and education for children.

The Five Stars in Food Safety is a recognition for nurseries that are able to provide a high quality food safety system. It is based on the belief that nurseries should be able to provide the best possible care and education for children.

The Nursery Manager of the Year is a recognition for nurseries that are able to provide a high quality leadership and management system. It is based on the belief that nurseries should be able to provide the best possible care and education for children.

The Outdoor Learning Environment is a recognition for nurseries that are able to provide a high quality outdoor learning environment. It is based on the belief that nurseries should be able to provide the best possible care and education for children.

The Teaching School Status Collaboration is a recognition for nurseries that are able to provide a high quality teaching school status collaboration. It is based on the belief that nurseries should be able to provide the best possible care and education for children.