This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
Almost 100 families from across the Island have been recognised for their efforts at Isle of Wight Council’s Annual Family Learning Awards.
Two separate award ceremonies were held at West Wight Youth, Community and Children’s Centre on 11 July and at Ryde’s Carnival Learning Centre on 14 July.
The Family Learning Awards give an opportunity to celebrate learning activities that took place in Island schools, children’s centres and community venues throughout the past year.
Return to learning for adults
It also acknowledges the schools and partners for participating in family learning which provides parents, grandparents and carers an opportunity to return to learning whilst supporting a child’s education.
On Monday 11 July, certificates were presented to each of the participating families by Cllr Dawn Cousins, IW Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education. Certificates were also presented to some of the parents who had taken literacy qualifications as part of their programmes.
Awards presented last week
At the Carnival Learning Centre on Thursday 14 July, awards were presented by the Chairman of IW Council, Cllr David Williams, Vice Chairman Cllr Susan Scoccia and Robert Brindley, IW Council’s Commissioning Manager for Adult and Community Learning.
The special Laura Groves Award for Community and Family Involvement was awarded to Tracey Castle* from WAYS Forward. The award is presented in memory of Downside Middle School Teacher, Laura Groves, who died in 2009. This award is supported by the Adult & Community Learning Service and Pan Neighbourhood Partnership and recognises staff who enable, encourage and support families and members of the community in school life.
Nomination certificates were awarded to Lyn Pankhurst from All Saints Primary, Sophie Collings from St Saviour’s Primary and Nikki Simpkins and Marguerite Couch from St. Mary’s Primary.
Helps raise achievement in schools
Cllr Dawn Cousins said the awards are one way of recognising the efforts of families, saying “Learning as a family is not only enjoyable, but also helps raise achievement in schools and is very important.
“It is also nice to see staff recognised in front of families for their efforts. I send my congratulations to everyone involved.”
Image: Mrs Jo Baggott and Mr Pete Baggott with their daughter Sarah Baggott and Cllr Dawn Cousins on the left.
