Campaign for Learning and the National Centre for Family Learning are delighted to announce the winners and commended organisations in the 2026 Family Learning Awards.
The winning entrants demonstrated imaginative, engaging, and impactful approaches to working with families that make a real difference. Winners include an early years programme helping families build confidence and connection through play-based learning and a community food initiative addressing food insecurity and healthy eating through shared activities.
Full list of winners and commended organisations:
Family Learning in the Early Years Award, in partnership with CACHE Alumni
Winner: Early Years Cocoon C.I.C. – ‘Co-Created Family Learning Through Play’ programme
Early Years Cocoon C.I.C's ‘Co-Created Family Learning Through Play’ programme supported families through inclusive, community-led learning. Weekly sessions combined child-led play with structured activities, such as sensory play, storytelling, arts, music and movement. Families helped shape and lead sessions, building confidence and strengthening relationships while becoming active partners in their children’s development.
The programme improved children’s wellbeing, communication and social skills while boosting parental confidence and reducing isolation. It continues to evolve to meet local needs, offering a sustainable model for early years learning.
Read their case study
Highly Commended: Museum of the Order of St John
Commended: MK Gallery and Collar & Cuffs Co
Family Learning to Support Health and Wellbeing Award
Winner: City of Doncaster Council – 'Food for Thought: Cultivating Communities through Cultural Cuisine’ programme
City of Doncaster Council’s 'Food for Thought' programme improved health, wellbeing and food confidence among families through hands-on workshops in two primary schools. It brought parents, children and partners together to grow, cook and share food, particularly in communities facing food insecurity.
The programme helped break down language barriers, strengthen links between schools and families, and encourage healthier eating habits, with increased uptake of free school meals. It is now being expanded to reach more schools and families.
Read their case study
Highly Commended: Cardiff and Vale College
Commended:
Family Learning Innovation Award
Winner: Babyzone – ‘Everyday Maths’ programme
Babyzone’s Everyday Maths programme won two awards for its innovative approach to family learning and early STEM. Delivered through community hubs, it supported families with children aged 2–5 to build confidence and skills in maths through everyday activities.
Using simple materials and familiar routines such as cooking and play, the programme made maths accessible and relevant while tackling intergenerational anxiety. It improved parental confidence and engagement, with children showing early gains in number sense and problem solving. The programme’s inclusive, community‑based model is now being expanded to reach more families.
Read their case study
Highly Commended: Royal Museums Greenwich
Commended:
Family Learning to Support STEM Award
Winner: Babyzone – ‘Everyday Maths’ programme
Highly Commended: Rochdale Science Initiative C.I.C.
Commended: Unplugged Tots
Commenting on the winning entries, Miranda Baxter, Deputy Director, National Centre for Family Learning, said:
“We at Campaign for Learning are thrilled to announce the 2026 Family Learning Award winners and commended organisations who collectively have engaged over 15,000 children and families.
“These inspirational initiatives are as dynamic as the families they serve. All organisations show care and community connection, using innovation, responsiveness and imagination in which families are valued co-creators and equal learning partners.
“Family Learning is an exceptionally diverse and specialist sector in the UK, that creates rich learning experiences and stronger relationships that transform thinking, boost skills and create a lifelong culture of learning. These awards recognise, celebrate and share outstanding family learning practice throughout the four nations. Congratulations to everyone for outstanding family learning!”