Celebrating at the N Awards 2024

At N, the annual Winter Party is more than just a celebration; it is a tribute to the people who drive success and impactful change. It’s a moment at the end of the year where we come together, we reinforce a shared vision, inspire continued excellence, and build on a culture where every team member and effort is valued.

Since 2017, we have held the N Awards, and 8 years later, across 11 categories, we continue to recognise the incredible individual and team efforts and achievements - from those who best embody our brand values to Chef of the Year and the hotly anticipated Nursery of the Year. 

Following a company-wide rally cry for the team to submit their N heroes, the judging process began when our leadership team deliberated over hundreds of submissions. Each of the 11 categories was whittled down to a shortlist of six, with three coveted prizes up for grabs - commended, highly commended, and the winner. With lips firmly sealed until the Winter Party, suspense was building, and finally came the night that everyone was waiting for!

And without further ado, here are the 2024 N Awards winners:

Go Beyond award

Winner - Nagine, Front of House at N Dollis Hill

Be Outstandingly Outstanding award

Winner - Sophie, Room manager at N Bushey

Play as a Team award

Winner - Samantha, Room manager at N London Fields

The Impact award

Winner - Teresa, Room manager at N Wandsworth

Best Newcomer award

Winner - Malgorzata, Assistant educator at N Twickenham West

Support Office Hero award

Winner - Lucy, New Openings associate

One to Watch award

Winner - Jahed, Deputy manager at N Moseley

Management Team of the Year award

Winner - N Wandsworth

Nursery of the Year award

Joint winners - N Redhill and N Twickenham

The N Award

Winner - Alisha, Front of House at N Harborne

Chef of the Year award

Winner - Anwar, Chef at N Cambridge

Before they took to the dancefloor, we caught up with a few of the winners to congratulate them, and ask them what winning the award means to them.

Sophie

Winner of the Be Outstanding Outstanding award

• What does receiving this award mean to you? 

I'm extremely proud and honoured to have won this award! Winning inspires me to keep my standards high and to role model outstanding behaviour and practices everyday for my own personal development, the team and for the children at N Bushey.

• Can you describe a moment or experience in your role that you feel best embodies the values of your award?

We recently achieved N100 Gold at N Bushey - testament to the hard work and dedication of the team and myself.

• What do you love most about working at N?

There are so many reasons why I love working at N! A N Bushey, the environment, the resources and the team are all incredible. And on a personal level, the mentorship, support and belief that my Nursery Manager has in me and those around me, are unparalleled.

Jahed

Winner of the One to Watch award and Commended in the Management Team of the Year award

• What does receiving this N award mean to you?

I am honoured to be recognised as part of the Management Team of the Year at N Moseley and to win the One to Watch award. Being acknowledged in a shortlist of hundreds of team members is a truly humbling experience. Winning the award, especially in my first year at N and as the first time N Moseley had been nominated, is a remarkable achievement. It’s incredibly meaningful to be celebrated by my peers for the hard work I've put in, but what truly stood out to me were the reasons people voted for me, as that recognition held the most significance.

• How do you see winning these awards will inspire you in your role?

I have always been deeply passionate about my work however, winning the One to Watch award has only further fuelled my drive. I am fully committed to supporting others wherever possible and look forward to continuing to expand my skills and expertise to contribute in any way I can.

• Can you describe a moment or experience that you feel best embodies the value/s of your award/s?

Throughout my time in the Deputy Leadership Management Programme, I had the opportunity to present a project to my cohort and the Leadership team. Things got even better when following the presentation, I was invited to present in front of the N Board. Another highlight was, alongside my management team, after I had joined N just three months prior, we were awarded Ofsted Good with an Outstanding element.

• What advice would you give to someone looking to join the N Family?

To anyone who may be considering joining the N Family, remain true to yourself, have a passion for what you do, and focus on competing with your own potential. Whether you're joining as an apprentice, housekeeper, chef, manager, or in any other role, the opportunity for growth within N is limitless.

Do you feel inspired to join the N Family? Discover your dream role and learn more about how working at N can transform your career.