The East Anglian Daily Times Suffolk Education Awards are welcoming entries from education providers, parents and students across the county.
There is a host of diverse categories to enter in this new award scheme, recognising the efforts of everyone who works tirelessly to make Suffolk’s education sector stand out, from teachers and classroom assistants to students and apprentices.
Here we learn more about what the judges will be looking for in the Early Years Provider of the Year, sponsored by Suffolk County Council, and Primary School of the Year categories, and how a strong start in school can help children thrive in the future.
Early Years Provider of the Year
Sponsored by Suffolk County Council
This award recognises outstanding nurseries or preschools. The winner will demonstrate a commitment to the learning, physical and emotional development of children and will also make a difference in the wider community.
Councillor Rachel Hood, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for education, SEND and skills.
Why did you decide to sponsor this award?
Suffolk County Council chose to sponsor the Early Years Education Provider of the Year award because early years education is vitally important and a specific focus of Suffolk County Council.
The award celebrates the hard work and dedication of those who provide early years education, and Suffolk County Council is committed to supporting those settings and practitioners in its mission to provide the best possible education for children.
How do you support education in Suffolk?
Suffolk County Council supports education and early years education in Suffolk in several ways, including working with schools and early years settings to improve standards; improving services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND); managing funding for schools and early years settings; and promoting the importance of education and early years education to parents and carers.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing education in Suffolk in 2023?
The biggest challenge facing education in Suffolk in 2023 is the need for raised standards and outcomes for children. Suffolk County Council is working with education leaders to address this challenge.
Why is early years education so important in creating a foundation for lifelong learning?
Early years education is important because it is a time when children learn about the world around them, develop their social and emotional skills, and prepare for formal schooling. It can help children develop a love of learning and the skills they need to succeed in school and in life.
Primary School of the Year
The Primary School of the Year award will be given to a primary school that is working to offer an exceptional school experience to children from Reception to Year 6.
The judges will be looking for evidence of inclusivity within the schools that enter, alongside their commitment to learning and the emotional and physical development of pupils.
Furthermore, schools should show the ways in which the future of the children is considered, in addition to their work beyond the classroom in the local community. Entrants should provide a description of the establishment, as well as the facilities available and the school’s ethos and values.
The judging will focus on four key areas, including the school’s strategy for pupil’s emotional, physical and social development. Evidence should also be provided of the development of learning at Key Stage 1 and 2 and the provision of extracurricular activities including clubs and sports teams, both during and after school.
Finally, the judges will be looking for evidence of a robust strategy for guidance on students’ future and personal development, ensuring that all pupils leave school with a good level of education and the confidence and skills required to tackle any challenges they may face in the next stage of their education.
To enter or make a nomination for either the Early Years Provider of the Year or Primary School of the Year category, or to find out about the other categories, please visit suffolkeduawards.co.uk
It only takes two minutes to complete the nomination form, and nominations can be made by colleagues, peers, students, parents, guardians, individuals and education establishments themselves.
The deadline for entries is Sunday, August 6, and all of the finalists will be invited to the awards ceremony on Thursday, November 9 at Venue 16 in Ipswich.
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