Spalding's Bebright Preschool is a Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian Education award winner

The determination of two teachers who swapped primary for preschool has been recognised.

Owners Stephanie Barrett and Laura Spillett were over the moon after Bebright Preschool was named a winner at last night's Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian Education Awards.

They were presented with the Preschool of the Year Award by Finlay Bulbeck, of sponsors Riverside Training.

Lauren and Stephanie founded the Saddlers Mead preschool in 2018 after leaving their reception teacher jobs and are planning to launch a second site in Pinchbeck.

Stephanie said: "This award is totally unexpected. This is more for the staff - they have been stars.

"We always had a vision of what preschool education should look like. We make our children happy, feel safe and work on social skills."

Bebright was nominated by parents for teaching young minds through fun, love and support and for the assistance given to the community and those in need throughout the pandemic.

Lauren said: "We sent 42 children to school happy and ready for their next chapter.

"It has been a very challenging two years and a lot of families have needed that extra support which is why we started Rainbow's End."

The award was kindly judged by South Holland District Council deputy leader Nick Worth.

Runners-up Liliput Day Nursery was once again, nominated by parents who happily report that their young children have grown in confidence while in their care.

Fellow runners-up Little Treasures Spalding is a nursery which parents quote as going above and beyond to ensure the happiness of each child.

• To purchase a picture from the Education Awards please to go photos.iliffemedia.co.uk