Children and young people can be nominated across a wide range of categories:
Healthy Living Award
Nominate a child or young person who is making positive choices for their wellbeing—whatever that looks like for them. This could be trying new foods, building a healthier routine, practising self-care, attending appointments bravely, improving sleep, getting outdoors, or finding ways to manage worries. We’re looking for progress, not perfection. Tell us what they were facing, what they’ve achieved, and why it matters. Paint the picture: what did they do, how did they keep going, and what change have you seen at home, school, or in the community?
Life Skills Award
Nominate a child or young person who is building independence in everyday life—step by step. This might be learning to travel a short route, using money, communicating needs, trying new routines, cooking with support, practising personal care, or building confidence in new places. We want the “small wins” that are actually huge. Tell us the starting point, the barriers they’ve been working through, and the difference their new skills are making. If they’ve shown determination, courage, and consistency—this is their moment. Celebrate their progress and the pride they’ve earned.
Being a Good Friend Award
Nominate a child or young person who makes others feel seen, safe, and included. Maybe they check in on someone who’s struggling, welcome new classmates, support a friend at break time, or show kindness in ways that don’t always get noticed. This award is for everyday empathy—sharing, listening, encouraging, standing up for others, or bringing calm to tricky moments. Tell us what they do that’s special, how they communicate care, and what impact they have on peers. If they’re the person who helps others belong, they deserve this spotlight.
Creative Artist Award
Nominate a child or young person whose creativity shines—through art, music, dance, drama, photography, crafting, digital design, writing, or anything imaginative. We’re celebrating self-expression and originality, not “being the best”. Maybe creating helps them communicate, regulate emotions, or feel proud of who they are. Tell us what they make, what inspires them, and how their creativity has grown. Share a powerful example: a performance, a picture, a project, a moment where they surprised you. If creativity is their superpower—this category is calling their name.
Going the Extra Mile Award
Nominate a child or young person who shows exceptional effort—especially when things are tough. This is for the “grafters”: the ones who keep turning up, practising, trying again, and pushing through setbacks. It could be attending school more regularly, joining a club, trying new communication strategies, managing anxiety, sticking with therapy, or working hard to meet a personal goal. Tell us what “extra mile” looks like for them and why it deserves recognition. We want the story of resilience in action—what they’ve done, how they’ve done it, and the difference it’s made.
Sports Award
Nominate a child or young person who gets moving in their own way—sport, fitness, swimming, dance, martial arts, inclusive PE, or team activities. This could be commitment to training, bravery in joining in, teamwork, personal bests, or simply finding joy and confidence through movement. We’re celebrating participation and progress, not medals. Tell us what they do, what obstacles they’ve overcome (confidence, coordination, health needs, sensory challenges), and how sport has helped them grow. If they’ve found strength, friendship, or pride through being active, this is their category.
Community Participation Award
Nominate a child or young person who plays an active part in their community—at school, in clubs, faith groups, youth groups, volunteering, local events, or SEND voice activities. This award is about showing up and being included—and helping others do the same. Tell us what they’ve taken part in, how they contribute, and what it means to them. Maybe they’ve grown in confidence, built friendships, or learned to cope with busy environments. Share the impact: how their involvement has strengthened their sense of belonging and helped the community become more inclusive.
Learning & Education Award
Nominate a child or young person who is thriving in learning—however their learning journey looks. This could be making progress in communication, attendance, confidence, engagement, qualifications, routines, or emotional regulation in school or alternative provision. We want the story behind the progress: what barriers were there, what support helped, and what has changed. Tell us how they’ve worked hard, shown curiosity, or taken pride in their achievements. Whether it’s reading one more sentence, completing a project, or returning to learning after a difficult time—this award celebrates determination and growth.
Amazing Reader Award
Nominate a child or young person who is discovering the power of reading—books, comics, audiobooks, sensory stories, shared reading, or independent reading. This award is about connection and confidence: reading for fun, reading to learn, or reading as a calm space. Tell us what they enjoy, how their reading has developed, and the difference it’s made (communication, imagination, routines, sleep, confidence, school engagement). Share a standout moment—finishing a first book, trying a new genre, reading aloud, or choosing stories to share with others. If reading has opened doors for them, celebrate it here.
Against the Odds Award
Nominate a child or young person who has achieved something remarkable while facing significant challenges. This might be health issues, trauma, loss, anxiety, exclusion, complex needs, or a difficult change—yet they’ve kept moving forward. This award is about courage, resilience, and hope. Tell us what they were up against, what they achieved, and why it’s extraordinary. Keep it respectful and strengths-based—focus on their determination and the impact of their achievement. If their story makes you think “wow—how did they do that?”, this is the category that honours their unstoppable spirit.