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Awards seek supportive staff

Emotional support is essential for pupils to thrive - so why not thank your most caring colleague by nominating them for a Kent Teacher of the Year Award?

From bullying to family breakdown, the issues that can make life tough for school children are many and varied. This is why the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards have a category dedicated to pastoral workers - the people who children turn to when they’re struggling with more than their maths homework.

It’s something Sally Williamson of Salus - a social enterprise which supports young people and families in Kent who are struggling with a variety of issues - sees all the time.

“We work with a huge number of schools across Kent, and with children and young people who are having to deal with some quite serious issues,” she said. “There are pastoral workers who are going above and beyond every day to make sure those young people have everything they need to be in school and learning.”

She added: “They are making school somewhere that is safe, where the children can come for advice and support. They are very special people and unsung heroes. The fact that there are people in school who offer warmth, nurture and care is really reassuring to me for the welfare of all our children.”

Salus - KTOY launch 2018 from KM Charity Team on Vimeo.

Categories for the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards include Primary, Secondary, Newly Qualified Teacher, and non-teaching member of staff such as lunchtime supervisor and caretaker.

There is also a volunteer award for anyone donating their time in school - whether they man a stall at a school fete, perform repairs and maintenance, or sit on the board of governors.

There are less than two weeks left for schools and members of the public to make their nominations - the deadline is Thursday, March 1. The winners will be invited to a glittering award ceremony at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel in Maidstone in May.

For more information or to make a nomination, visit the Kent Teacher of the Year website

Promotional materials available for free download here

Contact Details

Karen Brinkman
Telephone: 08442 640291
Email: kbrinkman@thekmgroup.co.uk