At a glance

Naiane Serafin Godinho, the chef at Partou Progress House Day Nursery in Market Harborough, has been shortlisted for the Chef of the Year award at the National NMT Nursery Awards 2026. This nomination recognises her exceptional ability to provide nutritious and balanced meals tailored to children's individual needs, including allergies and cultural considerations. The awards ceremony will take place on 7 November 2026 in London.

The chef at a popular Market Harborough nursery is in the running for a prestigious national accolade. Naiane Serafin Godinho, Nursery Chef at Partou Progress House Day Nursery and Pre-school, has been shortlisted for Chef of the Year at the National NMT Nursery Awards 2026. According to the organisers, the award will go to a chef in a nursery setting “who shows exceptional ability in providing well-balanced, nutritious and delicious food, that takes into account individual needs of children, giving special attention to allergies, sensitivities, cultures and food hygiene.”

Located on Northampton Road, Partou Progress House provides high-quality early years childcare and education for families across Market Harborough, Lubenham, Foxton and surrounding areas in Leicestershire.

Nina Halls, Partou Progress House Nursery Manager, said: “We are really proud of Nai and delighted that she has been shortlisted for the Chef of the Year Award. “I have never worked with someone who is more passionate about food and ensuring children are well fed as Nai. “Her approach to preparing food is always done with love and care, ensuring all the children’s needs are met. “She always goes above and beyond to ensure the children’s wellbeing comes first and no dietary requirement is too much.”

Kirsty Jackson, Partou Co-Managing Director, said: “As Nursery Chef at Partou Progress House, Nai takes a proactive and carefully structured approach to providing healthy meals and snacks for all children. “She follows current national early years nutritional guidance by ensuring that all meals are balanced, varied and appropriate for each child’s stage of development. “Her menus are frequently varied and always include fully balanced vegan options. “She thoroughly deserves this recognition.”

The NMT National Nursery Awards will be presented at an evening ceremony at Park Plaza London on 7 November 2026.

Editorial insight

Recognition at national level for nursery chefs remains relatively rare, making this shortlisting a notable achievement for both the individual and the setting involved. While the award focuses on culinary skill and attention to children's dietary needs, it also highlights the growing emphasis within early years education on the role of nutrition in child development.

For families in Market Harborough and the wider Leicestershire area, the nomination may offer additional reassurance about the standards of care and attention provided locally. The inclusion of considerations such as allergies, cultural needs and food hygiene in the award criteria reflects broader sector priorities and regulatory requirements around child health and wellbeing.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Human interest

The Role of Nutrition in Early Childhood Development

Explore the impact of nutritious meals in nursery settings on child development, using Naiane Serafin Godinho's award nomination as a case study.

Target audience health-science publications, national-news Story potential 7/10 Local/community

Spotlight on Local Talent: Market Harborough Chef’s National Recognition

Focus on Naiane Serafin Godinho's journey and contributions to local child care as she is recognised on a national stage.

Target audience local-news, regional-news Story potential 6/10