Support into Employment
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
We’re thrilled to celebrate the Gateway to Employment Supported Internship Programme, a remarkable partnership between RCT Council and Coleg y Cymoedd. This innovative programme champions young people aged 16-24 with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorders, guiding them through their final year of education and into the world of work.
The programme’s success lies in its collaborative approach, with RCT Council providing work placements across various departments. Since its establishment in 2019, Gateway to Employment has created 34 placement opportunities, leading to 11 interns successfully securing employment. Notably, 10 of these individuals have joined the RCT Council workforce, showcasing the direct impact of this initiative.
Our judges were particularly impressed by the strength of this partnership, recognising its unique and effective approach to supporting young people into employment. They commended the programme’s consistent success rates, which have been maintained despite varying enrolment numbers, demonstrating its enduring commitment and impact.
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Inclusion in Early Years
Muriel Green Nursery
We’re delighted to celebrate Muriel Green Nursery, a maintained nursery school and daycare in St Albans, Hertfordshire, for their outstanding commitment to Inclusion in Early Years.
At Muriel Green Nursery, inclusive practice is at the heart of everything they do. They truly embody the philosophy that “SEND is everyone’s business,” providing comprehensive training to all staff, regardless of their role. This commitment is further strengthened by a dedicated SENDCo, an Inclusion Leader, and two SEND Leads, ensuring expert leadership and provision for all children.
The Nursery’s approach ensures that every child’s needs are not just met, but fully embraced, enabling each child to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The judges were particularly impressed by the nursery’s standout approach and its evident impact, highlighting that the responsibility for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) isn’t confined to a single staff member, but is a collective effort to meet the diverse needs of all their children.
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Inclusion in Further and Higher Education (Up to 24 years)
Bolton College
We’re thrilled to announce Bolton College as the winner in the “Inclusion in Higher and Further Education” category! This General Further Education College, serving a diverse student body of all ages and abilities, has truly set a benchmark for inclusive support.
This award celebrates the exceptional work of Bolton College’s Additional Learning Support department. They are deeply committed to empowering students with diverse learning needs, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to succeed and thrive in their educational journey. Beyond vital curriculum support, the department enriches college life with engaging initiatives like the Diverse Beats music club, Maverick Crafting Crew, and the Maverick Games Guild. They also provide crucial services such as wellbeing workshops and mental health courses, demonstrating a holistic approach to student welfare.
The impact of their dedication is clear: students with additional or special needs at Bolton College have achieved the same success rates as their peers across the college. The judges were particularly impressed by the strong evidence of positive outcomes for students, and noted that the department’s influence extends far beyond a small group, positively impacting the wider college community through their comprehensive support and advice.
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Excellence in Special Schools and Alternate Provision
HEROS Charity
We are delighted to recognise HEROS Charity as the winner in the “Excellence in Special Schools and Alternate Provisions” category! Founded in 2006 with a mission to retrain, rehabilitate, and rehome ex-racehorses, HEROS has, since 2015, brilliantly leveraged these magnificent animals to inspire and support young people with additional learning needs.
HEROS offers an exceptional alternative educational environment for students aged 11-22 who find mainstream schooling challenging. Their enrichment programmes for 11-16 year olds are particularly impactful for students facing Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and anxiety, which often hinder their engagement outside the home. HEROS’s core aim is to help these students attend, enjoy their learning, and build confidence, ultimately enabling them to successfully return to mainstream education or engage in meaningful learning through tutoring.
The judges were profoundly impressed by HEROS’ innovative vocational approach to meeting the academic needs of struggling young people. They highlighted the clear progression pathways offered and the charity’s responsiveness to the evolving needs of their students, citing the recent addition of a forest school as a prime example of their adaptive and forward-thinking provision.
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Most Inclusive Practice Across a School
Carlton Bolling
We are incredibly proud to present the award for “Most Inclusive Practice Across a School” to Carlton Bolling! As one of the largest secondary schools in the country with a wonderfully diverse student population, Carlton Bolling has demonstrated exceptional dedication to embedding inclusion throughout its entire fabric, especially as the number of pupils identified with additional needs has risen significantly.
Carlton Bolling’s vision is to cultivate an inspiring, inclusive, and supportive environment where students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) not only thrive but also fully embody the school’s powerful ethos of ‘Excellence for All’.
The judges were deeply impressed by how clearly this vision is reflected in their daily work. It’s evident that at Carlton Bolling, SEND is not confined to one team, but is a collective responsibility woven into every aspect of school life. Their strategic foresight in addressing the needs of their entire school population is particularly commendable, as seen in initiatives like their innovative ‘new to English’ provision. The judges highlighted that Carlton Bolling is truly re-imagining what provision should be to genuinely integrate and support every student.
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Outstanding Contribution to the Sector
Thomas Keaney – TCES
We are immensely proud to honour Thomas Keaney, founder of TCES, with the “Outstanding Contribution to the sector” award. For an incredible 35 years, Thomas has dedicated his life to social work services, evolving from a practitioner to a highly respected manager and senior leader.
Thomas’s personal vision for TCES is to create inclusive, thriving, and socially and emotionally healthy communities. This powerful vision is rooted in his profound belief that human beings flourish in positive environments. He is passionately committed to championing neurodiverse children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), holding a firm conviction that every young person possesses boundless potential.
From initially supporting a single client, Thomas’s unwavering dedication has driven TCES to transform the lives of over 3,000 neurodiverse pupils – a monumental achievement that speaks volumes about his tireless work and the incredible resilience of the young people he serves. Thomas Keaney’s legacy is one of profound impact, demonstrating how one individual’s commitment can create a ripple effect of positive change.
