Care children set for big night

Children in local authority care across Staffordshire are to be recognised for all manner of achievements at a special awards ceremony.

Staffordshire County Council is calling for carers, social workers and teachers to nominate youngsters who are currently or have recently been looked after by the authority, for achievements in any field such as education, arts or personal development.

The young people who are picked for awards will attend the Celebration of the Achievement of Staffordshire Looked After Children which will take place at the Areva Sports and Social Club in Stafford in September.

Councillor Robert Simpson, deputy leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: "These awards are an important mechanism for recognising the achievements of young people.

"If a child wins a competition at a youth club or achieves good grades in school tests, the parent is usually the first to say 'well done' and congratulate them for their achievements."

Darren Howarth, 16 from Dartmouth Avenue, Cannock, received a Celebration of Achievement award in last year's ceremony for his efforts to continue in education.

"I was 14 and in foster care when I was nominated for an award by one of the council's support teams. I was unable to continue at the school I was at, so I enrolled at Cannock College on an NVQ course in catering and hospitality."

Darren now lives independently and has a year to go on his course, after which he plans to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.

The criteria for nominations is varied. Children must be aged 11 years or over and must be currently in care or have left in the last two years.

The closing date for nominations is June 29. All young people who are nominated will be invited to the awards ceremony. More details available at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/education/welfareservice/lookedafterchildren