Shropshire Council recognises achievements of county’s looked-after children

On Saturday 26 September, Shropshire Council celebrated the achievements of children in care at an annual award ceremony.

Over 160 looked-after children (who are in care to Shropshire) aged 3 to 16 were nominated by their foster or connected carers, schools and social workers for awards in seven categories including academic achievement, determination and resilience, contribution to the community and attendance.

Judging the nominations were Councillor Andy Hall, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education; Jo Kelly, Head of Shropshire Virtual School and Access to Education; and Erika Ower, Shropshire Council Service Manager for Adoption, Fostering and Residential Services.

All the nominated children were invited to attend the event and received medals and certificates to celebrate their achievements. Awards were presented to the category winners by Councillor Duncan Borrowman, Chair of Shropshire Council; Tanya Miles, Chief Executive of Shropshire Council; David Shaw, Director of Children’s Services; Andy Hall and Jo Kelly.

As well as the awards ceremony, there was entertainment including a circus workshop, a magician, inflatables, falconry, sports, bracelet-making and face painting.

Councillor Andy Hall, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, said:

Looked-after children need additional specialised support to ensure they fulfil their potential and thrive. It was an honour to present all the children with their awards and we are proud of their achievements.

The event and awards were organised by Shropshire Council’s Virtual School. The Virtual School team supports children and young people who are in care, or who have been in care, to ensure they access the right opportunities to fulfil their educational potential. The Virtual School also provides advice, information and training to schools, settings and partners so that they can best support their children and young people to achieve and thrive.

Shropshire Council is currently delivering a transformation of its children’s services that reflects changes to government statutory requirements affecting children’s services nationwide. It will see a new focus on prevention, and on greater collaboration between agencies and services to ensure a smoother experience for families needing support. Aims of the changes include helping improve the number of Shropshire children starting school having met their development milestones and reducing the number of children who come into care.

To find out more about the Shropshire Virtual School go to the website here. To contact them use email virtualschool@shropshire.gov.uk or phone 01743 250124.

Image shows (left to right): Tanya Miles, Chief Executive of Shropshire Council; David Shaw, Director of Children’s Services; Councillor Duncan Borrowman, Chair of Shropshire Council; Andy Hall, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education; and Jo Kelly, Head of Shropshire Virtual School and Access to Education.