Worcestershire Children First are proud to sponsor the Worcestershire Education Awards 2022 and celebrate the achievements, passion and dedication of those involved in the education profession.

The awards are being run by the Worcester News and associated weekly titles - Malvern Gazette, Evesham Journal, The Shuttle, Bromsgrove Advertiser and Redditch Advertiser - in conjunction with the University of Worcester.

The star-studded ceremony - broadcast live at 7pm on Thursday, February 24 - will shine a light on the fantastic work being done by staff and students in our nurseries, schools and colleges.

Tina Russell, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Children First, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring two categories this year; The New Teacher of the Year award and the Early Years Education / Primary School of the Year Award.

"We know the impact that teachers have on children and young people while they are in education, to the local school community and beyond and we are really proud to be able to say thank you and celebrate this.

"Our vision is for Worcestershire to be a wonderful place for all children and young people to grow up and ensuring a quality education is a key part of our company’s values.

"Our focus this year remains to improve outcomes for children and young people in Worcestershire, by addressing their needs through early help and prevention, education provision and social care." 

Worcestershire Children First is the company responsible for delivering children’s services across the county, including children’s social care, education, early help and fostering.

The not-for-profit company is entirely owned by Worcestershire County Council and delivers its children’s services on behalf of the local authority working with partners across the county to ensure children, young people and families receive the best possible service.

Ms Russell said the company's budget in 2022/23 will include new investment to ensure education improves for all children across Worcestershire.

"In total £3 million in capital has been budgeted to allow us to improve schools across the county, whilst £48 million has been budgeted to allow the council to continue building and extending schools," she said.

"A further £300,000 has also been invested into Special Educational Needs Transport to ensure people with SEN are able to access the educational setting and support that they require."

Worcestershire Children First launched three years ago this October and as a result of its continued progress the statutory direction was lifted in October 2021.

"It was always essential for us to have Education along with Early Help and Social Care within the company to give us the very best opportunity to work across these services in the interests of children and young people," said Ms Russell.

"Our 2022/23 business plan will set out how we will work together with parents and carers, young people, the council and our partners to continue to Sustain, Improve, Innovate and Invest in Children’s Services in Worcestershire.”

  • The Worcestershire Education Awards 2022 finals will be broadcast live on the Worcester News facebook site at 7pm on Thursday, February 24