As an inclusive trust, we make sure all children are celebrated not just for their academic or sporting achievements, but also for the ways they embody our trust values of Respect, Kindness, Equity and Creativity. This is why our annual Children’s Celebration Awards are such an exciting and inspiring date in our calendar.

 

Our celebrations acknowledge children whose everyday actions inspire and uplift their classmates, creating a positive environment for everyone. They also provide a valuable opportunity to bring the whole Transform Trust family together – families, carers, staff, governors, trustees, local VIPs, businesses and friends of the trust. It gives us all a chance to get to know each other and reflect on the past year’s triumphs and challenges, in addition to honouring the children’s wonderful accomplishments.

 

Awards like this are a momentous occasion for our winners, particularly as they are nominated by school staff and their peers. Many of the children travel from their schools to take part in this prestigious event, and having their achievements recognised in a beautiful venue in front of a supportive audience is a huge boost to their confidence. Some even get a ride on a special minibus or coach, perhaps for the very first time, which adds to their excitement. The unique opportunity to meet their peers and staff from other schools also instils a further level of joy and pride.

 

For this year’s awards ceremonies, which were held at Colwick Hall in Nottingham and at Derbyshire Cricket Ground in Derby, each child was welcomed onto the stage by our trust CEO, Rebecca Meredith, to the applause of parents, carers, staff and friends. It was a proud (and slightly nerve-wracking) moment for them all, and Rebecca encouraged them to make the most of their time in the spotlight, waving to the people who had come to support them. After being presented with their awards, the children had photographs taken with Rebecca, proudly displaying bright smiles, shiny medals and certificates to their friends, families and teachers.

Each year, we present Superhero Awards to children who really stood out as pillars of their communities, and this year’s winners have been truly inspiring.

 

This year’s Superheroes are:

 

Derby and Derbyshire

 

• Skyla Mae, from Breadsall Primary School, for her relentless fundraising for the Limbo Foundation and for never allowing her limb difference to become a barrier to her ambitions
• Scarlett and Beatrice from Ravensdale Primary for raising more than £700 for Cancer Research UK
• Leon from Abbey Hill for his incredible resilience after suffering a terrible bereavement

 

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire

 

• Hollie from Bulwell St Mary’s Primary and Nursery School for using Makaton to support a SEND pupil in her class
• Shizah from Edale Rise Primary and Nursery School for her unwavering determination and positivity when overcoming barriers due to her SEND and medical needs
• Freya from Highbank Primary School for the courageous act of ringing an ambulance and looking after an unwell neighbour on her way home from school
• Precious from Sneinton C of E Primary School for her excellent role model behaviour as a Wellbeing Buddy, supporting other children and always showing kindness

 

Madeleine Cox, governor at South Wilford Endowed C of E Primary School (Nottingham) said: “Everything we do is for the children, and it’s such a pleasure being at an event like this to celebrate them. We’re all human, we all like to be appreciated, and you can see the joy in their faces. You can see how it does wonders for their confidence – they’re glowing.”

 

Adam, from Whitegate Primary School, was the winner of the Equity Award. He said, “If someone is sitting there alone, even if that person is not a friend you should ask them to join in your games. That’s what I do.”

 

Annabeth, from Bulwell St Mary’s, was recognised for her kindness and for taking good care of her friends. She said: “My friends at school were excited for me, and my family was very happy for me. I love the school that I’m in, and I always want to be friendly.”

 

Rebecca Meredith, CEO of Transform Trust, said: “These awards are always a highlight in my calendar. The joy and pride we feel in celebrating our amazing children are beyond words. Each child here is a shining star and a true embodiment of the values we cherish in our family of schools. For some of our children, even coming on stage is a major achievement in itself, and I cannot explain how utterly proud of them I feel. I hope they will remember this day and continue to shine at school and in their communities.”