Unplugged Tots recognised in 2026 Family Learning Awards
The winners of this year’s Family Learning Awards have been announced, with Unplugged Tots named Commended in the STEM Category.
The Family Learning Awards, organised by the lifelong learning initiative Campaign for Learning and the National Centre for Family Learning, celebrate imaginative, innovative and engaging initiatives across the UK that make a real difference to families and their communities. They recognise organisations that have used new approaches and collaborations in the past year to create inclusive learning opportunities for families.
Unplugged Tots was recognised for its work to support families learning technology and computational thinking concepts through play based initiatives and activities.
“I am so proud that Unplugged Tots has been recognised by the Campaign for Learning. I love showing to parents and families that my play-based initiatives prove that you don't need a screen to teach tech skills. This commendation validates my approach to community-led STEM education, and it wouldn't have been possible without the support of Discover Children's Story Centre. Their support with this award application has been invaluable, and it inspires me to keep breaking down barriers to learning for families, children and young people nationwide. Thank you to the Campaign for Learning, the Discover Children's Story Centre the judges and a huge congratulations to the other winners!"
In 2026, the four award categories recognised family learning projects working with children in the early years, innovative approaches to learning, activities supporting health and wellbeing, and initiatives involving science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).
Miranda Baxter, Deputy Director at Campaign for Learning, said:
“The Family Learning Awards recognise and celebrate exemplary and effective family learning initiatives taking place nationally. Every year, the judges are bowled over by the calibre of applications and standards of excellence across what is an exceptionally diverse and specialist sector in the UK.
“Family learning is about creating rich learning experiences and stronger relationships that transform thinking, boost skills and create a lifelong culture of learning. Every applicant has demonstrated a positive impact on their community. They have worked with families in creative and responsive ways in which the families were co-creators and valued as equal learning partners.
“Everyone benefits from family learning: families, organisers, the entire community ecosystem. The organisations and individuals submitting applications are a passionate group who truly believe in the power of family engagement. We at Campaign for Learning are thrilled to announce this year’s winners and commended organisations, and we thank everyone who submitted an application.”
To find out more about this year’s winners and commended organisations, visit: www.nationalcentreforfamilylearning.org/family-learning-awards
Full list of categories and recognised organisations:
Family Learning in the Early Years Award
Early Years Cocoon C.I.C. (Winner)
Museum of the Order of St John (Highly Commended)
MK Gallery (Commended)
Family Learning to Support Health and Wellbeing Award
City of Doncaster Council (Winner)
Cardiff and Vale College (Highly Commended)
Adult Learning Service, Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (Commended)
Gateshead Council - Learning and Skills (Commended)
Family Learning Innovation Award
Babyzone (Winner)
Royal Museums Greenwich (Highly Commended)
Lornshill Academy (Commended)
STEM with Mr N (Commended)
Family Learning to Support STEM Award
Babyzone (Winner)
Rochdale Science Initiative C.I.C. (Highly Commended)
Unplugged Tots (Commended).
A massive congratulations to all the other incredible organisations recognised this year, it is a privilege to be in such inspiring company. A huge thank you to the judges and the organisers of the awards for your time.