Entries and nominations are now open for the inaugural Eastern Daily Press Norfolk Education Awards, which will celebrate the inspiring people and providers across the region’s education sector.

There are a range of categories available, both for individuals and institutions, and anyone is invited to either make a nomination or put themselves forward for an award.

Here we take a closer look at two of the categories – Early Years School of the Year and Outstanding Commitment to SEND – to find out what the judges will be looking for from entrants.

Early Years School of the Year

This award will go to an outstanding early years establishment, which could either be a nursery or pre-school.

The judges will be looking for a school with a clear strategy for the emotional, physical and social development of children aged three to five. Entrants should be able to show how they have developed learning prior to Key Stage 1.

Schools will also be able to demonstrate innovation in the services they offer, plans for growing their establishment in the future, and how they support the mental health of children and staff.

Entrants for this award will need to provide an overview of the establishment, the facilities available, and the school’s ethos and values.

Outstanding Commitment to SEND

The winner of this award will be a school or institution leading the way in its special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision.

Judges will be looking closely at the policies, practices, opportunities and support systems provided to students with SEND.

They will also want to see detail on how entrants plan to further develop their SEND provision and support.

This award is open to all educational institutions and will require entrants to supply a description of their institution, facilities, ethos and values.

To enter or to make a nomination for either of these categories, please visit norfolkeduawards.co.uk 

The nomination deadline is Sunday, June 11, and the finalists will be invited to the awards ceremony on Thursday, October 12 at Barnham Broom Hotel.