It was shortlisted as one of three finalists in the Small Employer of the Year category.
The annual event, now in its fifth year saw a 40 per cent increase in entries from 1,000 to 1,400.
The awards are designed to recognise employers who use apprentices to improve their business performance.
Ark Day Nursery has rapidly developed over the last six years and the apprentices have helped in maintaining the high standards of care which has led to the success of the business.
Heidi Bingham, co-owner, said: "We are pleased to be nominated and nervous to be in the finals.
"It seems strange to be nominated with people from across the country but at the same time we think we are good at what we do and deserve the recognition.
"From our point of view it is good for our sector, especially with the Government's current initiative, to raise the profile of those in childcare."
The nursery joins two other finalists from the region, Leeds-based ICT company Complete Computer Systems contest Micro Employer of the Year, and Skipton's Claire Harrison is a contender for Apprentice of the Year.