Lili Sargent, who leads special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) practice at Enchanted Wood Preschool's Little Nest provision in Blackfen, has been named a finalist in the SENCo of the Year category at the National Nursery Management Today (NMT) Awards 2026. The awards celebrate excellence across the early years sector, recognising outstanding individuals and nursery groups from across the country.
Recognition for SEND practice
The SENCo of the Year award recognises exceptional special educational needs co-ordinators who demonstrate excellence in assessing children with potential SEND needs and planning, delivering and monitoring their care. Enchanted Wood Preschool has also been shortlisted in two further categories: Nursery Group of the Year (Small) and Inclusive Nursery Group of the Year.
Ms Sargent joined Enchanted Wood Preschool nine years ago straight from college, initially supporting two children on a one-to-one basis at one of the group's mainstream settings. She later helped launch Little Nest Blackfen six years ago and now leads SEND practice at the specialist provision, while also supporting children, staff and families across the group's eight settings.
Training and mentoring across the group
Over the years, she has trained SENCOs across the organisation in support planning and inclusion funding, while also mentoring practitioners ranging from apprentices to senior leaders. Children are referred to Little Nest by professionals from across five counties, with Ms Sargent overseeing support plans and Education, Health and Care paperwork across five local authorities.
The group's training academy also works with other local nurseries, sharing best practice and providing support with plans and interventions. The Little Nest team additionally runs two SEND stay-and-play sessions each month for families in the borough, including one delivered alongside the Bexley Early Autism Service.
Reaction from the finalist and founder
Speaking about the recognition, Ms Sargent said: "Being named a finalist means a great deal to me and it came as a complete surprise. I love my job and always knew I wanted to work in the sector.
"When I came out of college, I did some work experience in a school and I gravitated towards one little boy who needed a bit more help than the others and who would come to you for a cuddle when he wanted something. I knew straight away that was what I wanted to do, and I have never wanted to do anything else since."
She added: "What I love most about working here is that families never really leave us and we build lifelong friendships. Parents ring for advice or just for a chat years after their child has moved on, and at our autism walk in Danson Park the children come back at nine, 10 and 11 years old and still smile when they see you. That bond means the world to me and is something I am very proud of."
Abie Sanford, founder and owner of Enchanted Wood Preschool, said: "Lili has grown up with this nursery and she has shaped it as much as it has shaped her. She came to us straight from college, she opened Little Nest with us, and the practice she built there now runs through every one of our settings, from the way we track progress to the way we talk to parents at the door.
"I am immensely proud of Lili, all her colleagues and the work they are doing in the local area to provide support for children with SEND. Families travel to us from five counties because there is nothing comparable nearer to home, and that is down to people like Lili. We have always believed that no child should be left out because a setting cannot meet their needs. Seeing Lili's name alongside the group's on two other shortlists is a proud moment for everybody here."
Winners of the National NMT Nursery Awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on Saturday, November 7.
