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Standout Innovation and Excellence in the Children’s Activities Sector

Discover the 2026 ICAP Awards finalists! Explore the UK’s top children’s activity franchises leading in innovation, growth, and education.

2026 ICAP Awards Finalists Spotlight: Franchises and Providers Leading Growth, Impact, and Community Engagement

The Institute of Children’s Activity Providers (ICAP) has unveiled its official shortlist of finalists for the 2026 ICAP Awards, recognising outstanding children’s activities providers across the United Kingdom. The awards — to be presented at the ICAP Conference on 27 March 2026 — celebrate organisations and leaders who have demonstrated excellence in customer experience, innovation, inclusivity, education, and growth vision.

A record 129 entries were submitted this year, underscoring the rapid expansion and rising quality of children-centred services and franchises throughout the sector.

Celebrating Customer Service: Championing Outstanding Experiences

The Customer Service Champion category recognises providers with remarkable commitment to superior service delivery.

Finalists include:

  • Barracudas – A leading provider of activity day camps.

  • BilinguaSing – Language and music classes for children.

  • Bristol Academy of Drama – Performance arts training for young people.

  • Daisy First Aid – First aid training tailored for families and schools.

  • Football 2 Music – A creative blend of sport and musical engagement.

  • Munchkin & Me – Early years activity programmes.

  • RKLSwims – Swim school provider.

  • Sing & Sign – Signing and music classes for babies and toddlers.

This category highlights brands that elevate the family experience through responsive service, engagement and differentiation.

Community Beacon: Inclusivity at the Core

The Community Beacon award honours providers embracing inclusivity and community engagement.

Shortlisted finalists include:

  • Activ8 for Kids

  • Artburst CIC

  • Fixation Academy

  • Little Fizz CIC

  • Razzamataz Theatre School

  • Roarsome Sport

  • Swimtime

These finalists are distinguished by their work in reaching underserved communities, promoting accessibility, and nurturing belonging through activity provision.

Trailblazer: Driving Innovation

Innovation is a core driver in the future of the children’s activities ecosystem. The Trailblazer category recognises organisations challenging conventions with fresh concepts or models.

Finalists include:

  • Beyond Blocks

  • Dot Kids Art & Wellbeing

  • Stem Club UK, among others.

These providers are reshaping educational play and enrichment through creative formats that blend technology, arts and experiential learning.

Pioneer in Education: Excellence in Learning Outcomes

With a focus on impactful education, this award highlights programmes that deliver measurable growth, confidence and capability for children.

Leading the shortlist are:

  • Achieve4All

  • Jam Coding

  • KidsLingo

  • Pop‑Up Play Village

  • RoboThink

  • Sparks Film School

  • Tot Bop Ltd

These finalists exemplify educational leadership, curriculum innovation, and engagement strategies that stimulate young minds.

Rising Star: Growth and Vision

Emerging leaders in business growth and visionary thinking are recognised in the Rising Star category, sponsored by the British Franchise Association (BFA).

Shortlisted ventures include:

  • Baby College

  • ComputerXplorers

  • Happy Kids Yoga

  • Ivory Tuition Club

  • ProAction Martial Arts & Fitness

  • Roarsome Sport

  • Stem Club UK

This field spotlights providers scaling rapidly and demonstrating strategic growth plans that promise long-term impact.

Icon Award: Lifetime Contribution and Leadership

The ICAP Icon accolade recognises individuals whose personal leadership, service and influence have profoundly shaped the sector.

Celebrated finalists comprise:

  • Bea Waterfield, Owner and Franchisor, Baby College

  • Cerys Keneally, Mentor for the Children’s Activity Industry

  • David Hunt, Managing Director, Tumble Tots UK Ltd

  • Helen Simmons, CEO, Caterpillars Music UK

  • Natasha Palmer, Director of Operations, Team Kinetix Ltd

  • Nitin Tekchandani, CEO, RoboThink UK

These leaders have helped craft pathways for franchise and independent operators alike, advancing operational standards, growth strategies and sector best practice.

What Comes Next

Finalists are expected to attend the ICAP Conference in Birmingham on 27 March 2026, where winners will be announced. ICAP offers finalists digital marketing badges and certificates to support their visibility ahead of the ceremony.

The shortlist for 2026 paints a vibrant picture of a maturing children’s activities ecosystem — one where franchised and independent providers alike are innovating, expanding, and delivering meaningful experiences for children and families.