Cheshire's 'Celebrating Achievements' Awards
The second ‘Celebrating Achievement’ awards have taken place, focusing on the range of services delivered to children, young people and families across Cheshire.
Hosted by Cheshire County Council, the Children and Families Service invited nominations for nine categories which included:
- Better information to more parents
- Promoting children and young people’s well-being
- Empowering parents
- Supporting the care, learning and play of children and young people
- Developing the workforce.
In addition, the event applauded childcare providers who had achieved Ofsted’s ‘Outstanding’ level of quality or who had achieved a Quality Assurance Award.
“There are so many good things going on, not just within the County Council but also with families and volunteers” said County Council Executive Support Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Shirley Harris, who attended the event.
“If we are to improve outcomes for children and young people, how we work together and join up is really important.
This special event celebrates the work underway and says ‘thank you’ to every one involved.”
Director of Children’s Services, Joan Feenan presented the awards.
“This event has represented the true message of Every Child matters” she said.
“We have seen how people from across the community and from a wide variety of backgrounds have all contributed to supporting children, young people and their families.
In doing so, they have exemplified excellence, inclusion and real humanity.
Above all they have shown that a community which puts children and young people at the heart of what they do, can make a real difference.”
Equality and Inclusion
Valley Community Action Project, Crewe,
Kath Harvey and Edith Roberts.
 The ladies are both in their 70’s and work with the children from a local estate. Edith works on an allotment with the local children and children from Adelaide Street School. They both take part in multi-games sessions and school holiday arts and crafts sessions.
They have arranged summer street parties, Christmas parties, a choir and regular litter picks with the children. The children respond well to the ladies because of their age and they have made a tremendous difference to their lives.
Matt Johnston from Children’s Services received the award for being instrumental in ensuring a gifted pupil maintained her A level studies despite being very ill. She now wants to go to University.
 Promoting Children and Young People’s Well-being
Wheelies Sports Club, Macclesfield
Mike Pomfret (Chairman) dedicates all his time to make sure people in wheelchairs participate in sports, outings, holidays, days out and general social activities. Celia Davies (Secretary) helps in all activities with Mike, she is a caring lady who would help anyone, she runs all of the social events.
Special Spaces for Children and Young People
JJ’s Sensory Play Centre, Macclesfield,
Jo Griffiths and Jane Mitchell
 After months of hard work and determination they have created a large multi-sensory play space that stimulates, educates and enhances the lives of children with special needs and their families.
It is providing opportunities that did not and would not exist without their commitment. They have also made a haven for parents and carers and the rest of their families.
Special Award
Joanne Stoneley, Volunteer
 She works extremely hard, putting in hours upon hours far in excess of those paid in full-time employment. Joanne is an extremely kind, genuine, big-hearted lady whose ambition in life is to learn all she can to be able to make a difference to the lives of the families she works with. Joanne helps out at all the various groups that run out of Small Oaks Family Centre, including, baby, toddler, foster, youth groups and families in general who come to the centre for help and support. Joanne is a very proactive and competent lady who has a very warm, caring and approachable manner. She is a born communicator with excellent inter-personal skills. She is exceptional at engaging children and adults in an activity which is appropriate to them and which they thoroughly enjoy.
For a full list of award winners go to www.cheshire.gov.uk/surestart or call Children’s Information Service Free on 0800 0852 863.
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