Nominations now open for 2026 WA Education Awards recognising excellence in early childhood education

Western Australia’s outstanding educators, leaders and school communities are being recognised, with nominations now open for the 2026 WA Education Awards, including a dedicated category celebrating excellence in early childhood education.

The annual awards recognise the achievements of public schools and educators who are creating positive outcomes for children, strengthening learning environments and building meaningful connections with families and communities.

The Excellence in Early Childhood Education category highlights the critical role early years educators play in supporting children’s learning, development, wellbeing and successful transitions through the early years.

The early years represent one of the most important periods in a child’s learning journey, with high-quality early childhood practice creating strong foundations for future learning, wellbeing and participation.

The Excellence in Early Childhood Education category recognises educators and teams demonstrating strong practice through:

• responsive relationships with children and families;
• high-quality teaching and learning approaches;
• inclusive and culturally responsive environments;
• strong transitions between early learning and school settings; and
• practices that support children’s identity, belonging and engagement.

The category reflects the importance of recognising the professional knowledge, intentionality and leadership required in early childhood education.

Recognising educators making a difference

The WA Education Awards celebrate individuals and teams who demonstrate commitment, innovation and leadership across education settings.

Award categories recognise excellence in areas including:

• early childhood education;
• teaching and learning;
• leadership;
• wellbeing;
• inclusion;
• cultural responsiveness; and
• whole-school improvement.

Across each category, the awards highlight the educators and teams who are creating meaningful change and improving outcomes for children and young people.

Recognition of early childhood excellence comes at a time when the sector continues to focus on quality, workforce capability and the importance of the early years.

Across Australia, early childhood professionals are leading important work in:

• supporting children’s wellbeing;
• strengthening inclusion;
• embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives;
• building partnerships with families;
• supporting smooth transitions; and
• creating environments where every child can participate and thrive.

These priorities reflect the broader understanding that quality early education plays a vital role in children’s lifelong learning outcomes.

Western Australia’s education landscape includes metropolitan, regional, rural and remote communities, each with unique strengths and approaches.

The awards provide an opportunity to recognise educators and leaders who are responding to the needs of their communities through innovative practice, strong relationships and a commitment to continuous improvement.

For early childhood educators, the awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the important work occurring every day to support children during their earliest years of learning.

Nominations now open

Nominations for the 2026 WA Education Awards are now open.

Educators, leaders and school communities are encouraged to recognise outstanding practice and celebrate the contribution of those making a difference across Western Australia.

Further information, including nomination details and eligibility criteria, is available through the WA Education Award website here.