Why the Evening Matters – and Why NCCE Is Sponsoring the Class Business Awards 2026 Evening Event

There’s something powerful about what happens in the room when people come together.

Not just to celebrate, but to connect. To pause. To reflect on the work they do, the lives they touch, and the ripple effect that comes from showing up week after week in their communities.

That’s why I’m so pleased to welcome the National College for Care and Education (NCCE) as the Evening Event Sponsor for the Class Business Awards 2026.

Because this isn’t just an awards night.

It’s a moment to recognise learning in all its forms – learning that happens far beyond a classroom.

Learning doesn’t stop at the school gate

One of the things that really stood out to me when talking to NCCE is how deeply they get the class business world.

They understand that learning is lifelong. It’s creative. It’s social. It’s emotional. And it happens in places that don’t always get the recognition they deserve.

As NCCE shared:

“Learning is more than school. It goes beyond the classroom. It is lifelong, creative, adaptable, and individual to every person.”

From toddler messy play, to pottery workshops, to Lego engineering clubs, to spin classes that give parents space to breathe again – every class creates a moment of challenge, joy and connection.

And that matters.

Because these classes don’t just teach skills. They support mental wellbeing. They strengthen confidence. They help people feel less alone.

Classes as spaces for wellbeing, not just activity

What I love about NCCE’s perspective is how clearly they see the hidden impact of class-based businesses.

• They talk about the mental wellbeing offered to new parents who need shared experiences and safe spaces to talk.
• They recognise how baby classes support brain development and exploration in the earliest years.
• They see the value in children accessing learning opportunities not always available in school – from creative technologies to hands-on problem-solving.
• They understand how family learning, adult classes and movement-based sessions support regulation, connection and confidence.

As they put it so beautifully:

“The spin class allows a parent to mentally regroup and self-regulate.”

That’s the work this sector does. Quietly. Consistently. With huge impact.

And that’s exactly what the Class Business Awards exist to spotlight.

A natural fit for the Evening Event

As a specialist training provider in childcare, education and child and family wellbeing, NCCE brings a deep understanding of co-regulation, play, equity and professional care.

They see the passion behind these businesses. The skill. The dedication. The intention to do things well.

Which is why sponsoring the Evening Event feels so aligned.

This is the moment where the sector comes together. Where stories are shared. Where people who spend their lives supporting others are, for once, the ones being celebrated.

And it’s why NCCE and their team are so proud to be part of it.

More than a college

NCCE is a blended college with a difference.

Learners sit at the heart of everything they do, supported to build confidence, resilience and professional care through high-quality, flexible learning. Their programmes span early years, childcare, education and child and family wellbeing – from Early Years Educator pathways to specialist interventions and advanced pedagogy.

Led by Dr Sam Ballington, researcher, author and advocate in the child and family space, the organisation brings together lived experience, academic rigour and practical application. Their tutors and assessors support learners through online and work-based learning, ensuring they understand not just the how, but the why.

It’s no surprise that NCCE is multi-award-winning, including being recognised for Best Social Impact in 2025 – a reflection of the ripple effect their work creates across communities.

Why this sponsorship matters

At its heart, the Class Business Awards is about recognising the people who create spaces for growth, learning and wellbeing.

NCCE understands that deeply.

They see learning as community. As connection. As social change.

And that’s why having them as Evening Event Sponsor feels so right.

Because this night isn’t just about trophies.

It’s about honouring the work that happens in village halls, studios, community centres and classrooms across the UK.

It’s about recognising the educators, facilitators and class providers who make learning accessible, joyful and human.

I’m incredibly proud to have NCCE supporting the Awards – and I can’t wait to welcome them, and the wider class business community, into the room.

You can find out more about NCCE on their website, or connect with Dr Sam Ballington via LinkedIn.

The Class Business Awards 2026 is coming – and this evening is going to be something special. If you’ll be joining us on the night, you can secure your tickets here and you can follow our journey on YouTube here.