THE 2019 SHINE A LIGHT AWARDS LAUNCH SOON

I had a lovely afternoon at this year's awards. If you'd like to nominate someone for next year's awards please read on.......

Pearson and The Communication Trust have once again joined forces to launch the seventh Shine a Light Awards. Entries for this year open in September with the awards ceremony taking place on Thursday 21^st March 2019. Britain’s Got Talent winner, Lee Ridley, also known as the Lost Voice Guy will be performing at the event alongside a soon-to-be-announced celebrity host. 

The awards not only celebrate the hard work and determination of children and young people with SLCN but also seek to recognise the incredible contributions of teams, schools, settings, young people and individuals across England who champion innovative work and excellence in supporting children and young people's communication development. 

The award categories available for teams, settings and individuals to enter will include:

·      The Katie Rough Memorial Award for innovative or excellent practice when working with children and young people affected by Selective Mutism 

·      Early Years Setting of the Year Award

·      Primary School of the Year Award

·      Secondary School or College of the Year Award

·      SEN School or Group of the Year Award 

·      Child / Young Person of the Year Award

·      Youth Justice of the Year Award

·      SLCN Innovation of the Year Award

·      Communication Champion of the Year Award

··      Outstanding Achievement Award

The Shine a Light Awards website will be open to receive applications soon. Bookmark the website at www.shinealightawards.co.uk or follow the hashtag #awards_SAL

Welcome Smart Talkers Botswana

We are delighted that Smart Talkers groups were introduced for the first time in Africa, in May 2018, Melanie Fricker and Farah Abdulla (Mother and Daughter team) have introduced them in Botswana! 

'We are extremely excited for the journey ahead and the benefits that SmartTalkers will bring to our beautiful country and continent,' reported Melanie.

Melanie and Farah are trained Preschool teachers running the family Nursery School in Botswana Africa. With its rich 41year legacy, Playmates Nursery School is owned and managed by three generations of passionate teachers. They are now honoured to call Botswana their home.

'Botswana is culturally diverse, with many nationalities living together in harmony. We are the jewel of Africa and we are politically stable. With English as our Official language, we are thrilled for the opportunity to launch SmartTalkers here'.

www.smarttalkers.org.uk

+267 77166013 to contact Melanie or Farah for more information