Winner
Nominated Date - 13-01-2022
Nominee Name - Mrs Giles at Bourne Westfield Primary Academy
Nominee Service - Full time support assistant - Mrs Giles - Bourne Westfield Primary Academy

Nomination Details
I’d like to nominate someone for an Excellence Award.My daughter is 6, in Year 1 and goes to Bourne Westfield Primary Academy. My daughter has a Global Developmental Delay and receives full time support whilst in class. The entire school have been beyond brilliant with everything they do with her. They have worked tirelessly and have established the most brilliant environment for her to flourish and despite being behind academically, she loves going to school. I cannot speak highly enough of what the school have done for her.

My daughters full time support in class is Mrs Giles, and this is who I’d like to nominate. Mrs Giles has been with my daughter from Reception (under Miss Binder who was also absolutely superb) and presently in year 1 (with Miss Ward who is absolutely fantastic).

Mrs Giles has played a massive part in who my daughter is becoming as a girl and her enthusiasm for her role is incredible. She is creative, always looking for new ways to do things, positive, and has built up a brilliant rapport with her. She’s been excellent at understanding her needs, establishing and completing targets whilst also helping her in some of the non academic things such as going to the toilet and building her independence. Mrs Giles has also been excellent working with her in Makaton signs helping to develop speech and language. She has been absolutely superb since she started school and really feel she is deserving of this award.

2nd Place
Nominated Date - 13-01-2022
Nominee Name - John Chambers
Nominee Service - LPCF

Nomination Details
From the moment I joined the Facebook group John went above and beyond to help me. Being a family who have moved from a different county it’s really difficult to know where to start with regards to services.

The GP wasn’t much help (not really up to date with some of the disabilities my son has) We live in a small village, so to have something like this, that I can access remotely is amazing and is going to make such a difference to myself.

I think as parents we always wonder if we’re doing enough? But as a parent of a child with multiple complex needs and disability’s you are always asking yourself have I done enough, am I researching enough, am I working hard enough to make sure my child gets what they need to live as best quality of life they can. John sent me lots of information, lots of pointers and within the information what was important in a time sensitive order. I really cannot thank him enough.

2nd Place
Nominated Date - 06-02-2022
Nominee Name - Joni Clark
Nominee Service - Parent

Nomination Details
As Chair of LPCF my thanks go to the many parents who attended the "Week of SEND", but one name kept popping up in the waiting room!

I would like to nominate Joni for the LPCF Excellence award as she attended a massive 25 out of the 26 sessions during the "week of send".

This shows a huge amount of commitment and enthusiasm.

Thank you for your support and for prioritising the "Week of SEND" whilst juggling the needs of your family.
It is appreciated.

Nominated Date - 08-02-2022
Nominee Name - Gemma Pyatt
Nominee Service - St Michael's c of e primary school

Nomination Details
Our son has severe, trauma and attachment issues with possible undiagnosed autism/ADHD. Mrs Pyatt is his EYFS teacher.

Jay has struggled with learning and now extra aggression and violence in the classroom. Mrs Pyatt has been extremely supportive and has been the main reason he is still in a mainstream environment today.

She has made many adjustments within the classroom and used her own time to attend meetings and put things together to support him. He has been very physically abusive towards her and she always greets him with a smile and gives us so much time. She even gets upset because she says she adores him.

She is the best support in the world to us.

Nominated Date - 04-06-2022
Nominee Name - Tina Stockdale
Nominee Service - Dance Teacher

Nomination Details
Thank you for how you are with my son, you knew him from before the diagnosis of Autism and still teach him something very special to him 'street dancing or hip hop'.

He has been taking part with this for over 4 years and he enjoys everything you teach him. He always comes home happy, but more than anything he is calm.

He has made friends over this time and that is one thing he finds very difficult to achieve but I think your help and support helped him move to the secondary school and that's why he has friends now.

Nominated Date - 05-02-2022
Nominee Name - Elaine cox
Nominee Service - Nursery worker

Nomination Details
I would like to nominate Elaine because without her I don't think me and my son would have got where we are today.

Nominated Date - 14-02-2022
Nominee Name - Mark Rands
Nominee Service - Kyo Shin Marshall Arts

Nomination Details
Mark and his team have been fantastic. They have welcomed my son, adapted to his needs and going to class has boosted his self confidence beyond measure.

He looks forward to going each week and has made friends outside of school which is a huge step.

Nominated Date - 08-03-2022
Nominee Name - Kerry Hill
Nominee Service - Cahms

Nomination Details
Kerry has been supporting our child and has been amazing, she just is so kind and really works as best she can to help.
She has been so helpful in supporting them and also us as a family.

She is always replying to emails in a professional and timely manner and it really has been more helpful than anyone can ever know.

She has honestly made such a difference and we need more Kerry's!!

Thank you.

Nominated Date - 01-04-2022
Nominee Name - Ian Lawrence
Nominee Service - Organises Airsoft events in lincolnshire

Nomination Details
Ian and his team of Marshalls are all so very attentive of my son and his needs and they all keep an eye out for him at the events. The sport encourages the kids to get away from their screens and my son finds it very therapeutic and inclusive.
Ian offers all newcomers who are children to come and play for

free on their first day and he provides them with all the equipment hire for free also.

Since my son has been going to LAC (Lincolnshire Airsoft Club) he has really come out of his shell, become more confident and his moral and self worth have improved. Such an inclusive and encouraging community of players and I thoroughly recommend it to other parents of autistic children. Ian and his team of Marshalls all consistently go the extra mile for the children.

Nominated Date - 03-04-2022
Nominee Name - Sue Belton
Nominee Service - SENCO

Nomination Details
Sue has been amazing, helping refer my son to Lincs Community Paediatrics for ASD Assessment, supporting us through the diagnosis process (even offering to come to an appointment at Boston Pilgrim with me), always great, prompt communication & support on email & face to face, no matter how big/small the matter raised.

Allowed my son to attend in lockdown Spring 2021 as he'd struggled so much in first lockdown, even though his diagnosis wasn't given until 24.12.21. The best Head/SENCO you could wish for!

Nominated Date - 12-05-2022
Nominee Name - The Mulberry Bush Nursery, Stamford
Nominee Service - Nursery

Nomination Details
As a parent of a child with autism, I would like to nominate The Mulberry Bush Nursery at St. Augustines in Stamford have always gone above and beyond in their support and access to early years support.

My daughter has level three autism and will be attending a specialist provision for her pre school year in September and it’s going to be bittersweet to be saying goodbye to all the staff, especially Gina (the manager) and Amy (the key person).

Since day one of my daughter attending, they have provided support for both my daughter and myself, made referrals where necessary, attendance flexibility and supportive in my daughters complex needs. If it wasn’t for the nursery, my daughter wouldn’t have been diagnosed as early as she has been and she most likely wouldn’t have gotten her EHCP plan in place. They have attended all meetings regarding my daughter when they weren’t required to as a beacon of support for me and they genuinely care for all children at the setting.

The nursery accepts all children of nursery age and have never been known to turn a child’s place away, unlike a lot of the other nurseries in Stamford. I have never known such friendly staff and they don’t get the recognition they deserve. We will always be forever grateful for everything they have done for us.

My daughter started in April 2021 and would have meltdowns constantly whenever we dropped her off, flash forward to May 2022 and she now runs inside and has shown the affection and interaction that we has been lacking since she was born.

Nominated Date - 12-01-2022
Nominee Name - Willoughbyacademy
Nominee Service - Specialist school

Nomination Details
I would like to nominate the Willoughby school in Bourne Lincolnshire.

It is an amazing school, the teachers are all fabulous, it makes the children feel happy and part off the Willoughby family.

The school goes out off the way to make sure the children are happy and to meet the needs off the children and to treat all children as individuals.

Nominated Date - 13-01-2022
Nominee Name - Hayley Northing
Nominee Service - Little pickles pre school

Nomination Details
Hayley is an amazing senco.

She goes above and beyond her role. She spends hours filling in paperwork and building evidence to develop early help care plans and Paediatric referrals. Most of all she treats my son as her own.

She shows him so much love and care. She has been a 1 to 1 for him when the funding for this has not been granted.

She's been a Senco for many years and she needs to be shown she is appreciated.

Nominated Date - 19-01-2022
Nominee Name - Mrs E Brindle
Nominee Service - SenCo

Nomination Details
My daughter has recently gone through ADHD assessment and the process of getting an EHCP. Greenwich house have been incredibly supportive every step of the way, even when meetings and paperwork had been due during school holidays.

Mrs E Brindle in particular has supported my daughter and the family during the process. She has been advocating for my daughter and going above and beyond to ensure the support is in place for her.

Nominated Date - 08-02-2022
Nominee Name - Mrs Sarah Davies
Nominee Service - Mrs Davies-Sir William Robertson Academy, Welbourn

Nomination Details
Mrs Davies has gone out of her way to make sure my son has the right reasonable adjustments in place for him to achieve all he is capable of.

He survived transition to year 7 and is thriving in year 8 with her support and the great team that works with her.

Nominated Date - 03-04-2022
Nominee Name - Lincoln Hospital Diabetes Team
Nominee Service - Peads diabetes team at LCH

Nomination Details
Son was diagnosed with type one diabetes in November and the support from the team during admission and on return home has been great.

They have made a positive difference as have been very supportive with his new diagnosis, at 13 they have supported both him and his family. Providing extra 1.1 training to family at request.

During our hospital stay they ensured he has a good understanding and offered reassurance that he can lead a normal life
The team also provided a supportive letter to allow access for carers whilst we awaited DLA proof.

They offer 24 hour support as required and sharon has supported directly with issues at school and with sons father lack of confidence. To ensure my son remains safe
This also allows us to feel more confident as we know we have back up if required.

Nominated Date - 18-04-2022
Nominee Name - Emma Fendley
Nominee Service - Salt (Lincolnshire Community Health Services)

Nomination Details
Last year my sons SaLT needed to be restarted as he did not participate in a video call to home during the lockdowns.

Emma built up a relationship with him online in his school setting and worked on the sounds he was struggling with. He came out of this with an improvement and is now on 'Client Initiated Review' so I can call them up and get their help with any sounds he is struggling with.

At a time when most services stopped I was very glad of this.

Winner
Nominated Date - 10-10-2022
Nominee Name - Feathers Teens CIC - Home Ed Group
Nominee Service - Home education group

Nomination Details
FEATHERS - Finding Encouragement and Acceptance Together in our Home Educations Roles - SEN/SEMH.

Feathers Teens CIC is a home ed group based in Heckington, Lincs, specifically for teenagers with additional needs, disabilities or mental health needs. The founder, Rachel, has gone above and beyond to support my family throughout our home education journey.

I had to make the terrifying decision to deregister my children in March this year as they were struggling so much to cope with the pressures of mainstream education, the schools were offering little to no support, and my children's mental health were suffering as a result, we were dealing with daily meltdowns, self harming behaviours, violence due to the frustration of having to 'cope' all day in school, and then having letters sent home threatening me with large fines and court action over their attendance and lateness when to me it was an achievement to get them there at all!

After deregistering I didn't have a clue where to start, I phoned the council to ask for advice or support and was told that I had made the decision to to home educate my children, therefore I had taken on FULL responsibility for their education and there was no support they could offer me. I felt so overwhelmed and completely out of my depth, I started taking the kids to a small home ed group that Rachel used to run through another charity, I was close to tears thinking I'd just made a huge decision that I simply couldn't handle, but she welcomed us in and instantly made me feel safe and relaxed. She talked us through the process of what would happen next, home visits, education checks etc. She put us in touch with groups for forest schools, activities, educational websites and resources, everything we could possibly need to know.

Most importantly, Rachel reminded me that what my children needed most then, and still do now, is my love and my support, that I made this decision for a reason and that it's ok to feel scared because we all do sometimes, but that I need to trust in my instincts and remember who I am and why I'm here. She reminded me that even if I get it wrong sometimes, and they don't do the work or we take a little while to find our feet, our children can get an education at any age but they only get one chance at life. And she reminded me that no matter what, I would never be going through this alone, whenever I fall, she'll help me back up, because we all know how hard this journey can be, and we all get tired sometimes, but we support each other every step of the way.

I started volunteering with her at the group, I also volunteered for the associated charity, however shortly after I had to step down altogether as I'm disabled myself, and my mobility worsened quite severely, my pain meant I couldn't keep working. But we met other home ed families too who had been through similar experiences, we shared stories, shared resources, supported each other with education and just in life in general.

Eventually Rachel made the brave decision to set up her own home ed group, she hired a hall, funded equipment, designed leaflets, logos, uniforms, and completed hours of endless paperwork and planning, all while working, doing a degree, and home educating her own children! And then Feathers Teens CIC was born...

We couldn't be more proud of Rachel and what she has achieved in such a short time. Since Feathers started we've had private tutor sessions, qualified science and history teachers doing talks and quizzes, hands on science experiments and crafts, we've visited museums, wildlife parks, been fossil hunting on the Norfolk coast, and most recently had a day trip to Alton Towers as a group! And that's just to name a few activities!

Most importantly my children have actually made friends, genuine honest friendships, they're so much happier and more relaxed than I've ever seen them before. To go from having your children suffering from depression and being filled with such sadness, to seeing them laughing and playing with other kids without a care in the world is a feeling that I can't even begin to explain! And that is all down to Rachel and her group, and the kindness and encouragement she has shown us. I honestly don't know how I would have coped these last 7 months without her and the other families at Feathers Teens CIC, they're the reason my children are happy again, and therefore they're the reason I'm happy again too.

So whether they win or not I just wanted to write this as a thank you to Rachel and to all the families at Feathers, I know they can't see it but that's probably for the best, I'm not that great at the soppy things in life :)
but thank you, you guys made our family whole again x

2nd Place
Nominated Date - 10-08-2022
Nominee Name - Sam Pittock
Nominee Service - Working Together Team

Nomination Details
During pandemic late 2020 my son was diagnosed with ASD. He was suicidal and our family at its wits end. Sam entered our lives.

She supported us emotionally and shared such knowledge and understanding that because of her support, we grew as individuals and as a family. Our son started to receive the services and support he needed and she was there every step of the way. She was always going above and beyond the call of duty.

She delivered all of the support without physically meeting us. Due to Covid restrictions.
Sam delivered the National Autistic society's Teen life Course and liaised with my sons secondary school to offer my son the very best of SEND care.

She was faced with difficulties and I can now safely say that the school have been marked as inadequate in lots of areas including the delivery and recognition of SEND.

She went above and beyond to support us as a family to help us understand and support our son knowing the special circumstances he was faced with at school. She supported me in establishing connections and signposting to other agencies and departments so that I could make parental applications for send directly through to LCC. I was signposted to "Liaise" and within a 9 months he had been diagnosed and recieved an EHCP. She continued to support us even when he was no longer her official case anymore and still checks in on us from time to time.
I was very low and I have multiple health complications. Our Son was often suicidal and in crisis.

He is now in a special education placement for 6 hrs a week (which is all he can handle at the moment). He is no longer suicidal and his confidence and self esteem are improving daily. Without Sam's support the outcome of the last few years could have been extremely darkly different. She was heaven sent and we were truly blessed to have her there in our lives at such a difficult time.

I do hope she finally gets the recognition she deserves.

She touched our lives in a way we will never forget and will be forever grateful for.

3rd Place
Nominated Date - 16-12-2022
Nominee Name - Amanda Treacey
Nominee Service - Teacher and Senco

Nomination Details
I would like to nominate Amanda due to her time, patience and efforts in trying to get help for my daughter.

She supports me via email, in meetings and general day to day support in school for my daughter .

We have had so many rejections and she is not giving up fighting for my daughter to get the help she needs before secondary school. She replies to my ridiculous requests/thoughts and emails at all hours-day or night weekend or school time.

She doesn't realise how much it means her just believing and fighting from our corner.

She has filled in numerous forms for EHW referral for all to be declined along with offering when we finally get our community paediatric appointment to come with me to support me.

I will be forever grateful for her support.

Thank you for this lovely idea and I hope she gets it :)

Nominated Date - 05-12-2022
Nominee Name - Mrs K Singleton
Nominee Service - Teacher

Nomination Details
I would like to nominate my sons reception teacher.

Since the moment we had our home visit before he started school she has been amazing with not only my son but myself too, invaluable support to us both! She has let me cry with no judgement, reassured me when I've needed it but most of all she has had patience with my son and has let the bond and trust between them develop at his pace, despite having other children that need her she makes sure my sons safety and needs are met and he can be very demanding at times.

His needs are constantly changing but she has included me with every single part of the decisions and plans for him in school. She has worked tirelessly to help him get extra support and has liaised with me throughout.

I know teachers are angels but this lady really is mine and my sons hero! She even supported me emotionally during the birth of my second son which she and the school didn't need to.

The whole school have been phenomenal but my sincerest thanks and gratitude goes out to Mrs Singleton. I'm a nightmare parent at times constantly worried haha, but she always listens to me and reassures any concerns I have.

I feel very blessed that my son has had such a beautiful start to his school years, despite the challenges he faces and will in the future I firmly believe that she has paved the way for him to enjoy his school years and know he will always be heard.

Thank you isn't enough! I truly am so very grateful to you.

Nominated Date - 01-12-2022
Nominee Name - Lucy Creasey
Nominee Service - Occupational Therapist

Nomination Details
Lucy has been the light at the end of the tunnel for our family for the last year. She has gone above and beyond to support our Autistic son with his sensory needs. Not only has she been patient and kind but she has advocated for us and him in her spare time to get us the help and support we need.

She has been at the end of the phone when we were at breaking point and she even found us a safe space being gifted that we could never have afforded. She keeps her rates low to help families as much as she can and never makes you feel like she is rushing you or clock watching.

She lets each session flow and goes with the needs of the child and the family. We would be lost without her help. She deserves to know just how much she is appreciated and what a huge difference she is making to people's lives.

Nominated Date - 08-12-2022
Nominee Name - Lorna kettlebrough
Nominee Service - Nappi trainer and parent advisory

Nomination Details
Without Lorna’s help my son would still be out of school and in a mess !

I wouldn’t have just had the opportunity to do a bakery course and actually pass . For the first time in years I felt like a normal person not just a carer !!

She has taught me so much over the years and she has daily struggles of her own including children with additional needs .

She is always ready to help others through this minefield of life .

Nominated Date - 11-07-2022
Nominee Name - Alice anders
Nominee Service - Nursery

Nomination Details
Alice was my daughters SENCo when she worked at Fleur de Lys nursery, she helped support me as a parent through getting my daughter an early autism diagnosis secondary to her hydrocephalus.

Alice worked hard with many other services and professionals to get my daughter the additional support she needs and she has now been granted an EHCP at the age of 3. I know how much hard work must have gone into this, all the integrated reviews that took place and all the tears and fears Alice helped me wipe away along the way will never be forgotten.

It was a very hard time for me as a parent coming to terms with my child’s diagnosis and at times I felt I was failing but Alice was always there to offer support and to remind me that I was enough! Even when she sadly left to start a new adventure she offered me her support if I ever needed any advice or help and I knew this was genuine.

Alice is so bubbly and full of life and a real pleasure to have had work with my daughter. We are forever grateful for all the support she has given and the impact that this will have made on my daughters future. To us you will always be a star!

Nominated Date - 23-08-2022
Nominee Name - Ian Pindar, Senco at William Farr Secondary `School, Welton
Nominee Service - Senco

Nomination Details
Mr Pindar runs the Special Needs Department at William Farr Secondary School at Welton.

He has worked with my son since 2012. He is unfailingly helpful, positive and can do. He has been very helpful in supporting my son and liaising with his Head of Year and Teachers.
A fantastic support.

I can phone him at any time and he will follow up any issues with my son's EHCP. A great bloke.

Nominated Date - 29-11-2022
Nominee Name - Nicola Reed
Nominee Service - Frampton preschool

Nomination Details
Nicola has been my little girls keyworker for the last two years.
My little girl has additional needs and she has gone over and above to ensure that she receives the correct support.

She carries out daily interventions with her and has such an amazing positive attitude with my little girl, when I know at times she can be very challenging.

Nicola has even taken on work at my daughters new nursery to support her as a 1:1 alongside her original nursery job!

Nicola is a ray of sunshine in my daughters life and we would be lost without her.

Nominated Date - 03-08-2022
Nominee Name - Stephen Rowe
Nominee Service - Early Help worker (childrens services)

Nomination Details
Stephen has been our early help worker since May I believe. I asked for help as I was at my wits end and I didn't know where to turn with my daughter.

My daughter suffers with depression and anxiety and whilst under the care of CAMHS she was referred for ADHD and ASD.

Stephen came into our home and since that day my daughter has changed so much he has been a massive support for her and I couldn't ask for a better person helping us out.

He doesn't judge me or my children (2 are on the spectrum daughter being tested at the moment) he has never treated us like we are anything other than a friend.

He truly is an amazing person

Nominated Date - 09-08-2022
Nominee Name - Sue Thorpe
Nominee Service - Pastoral care

Nomination Details
Right from when my son started reception at Wrangle Primary, Sue has been so kind, helpful, and supportive in everything from guiding me through the EHCP process to helping me fill out DLA forms and making sure that there is always something that my son is interested in available for him to choose as a reward whenever he has the opportunity.

Nominated Date - 15-11-2022
Nominee Name - Gordon Forsyth
Nominee Service - PAACT - Personal Support & Guidance

Nomination Details
Gordon has been an invaluable support and guide whilst navigating my son’s needs, demands & the assessment process. He’s gone above & beyond to provide me with the help and support I’ve needed and without him it would have been impossible!

He offers his time and expertise for many, many families around the area and many have expressed their gratitude and the fact they wouldn’t know where to go without him.

Nominated Date - 08-08-2022
Nominee Name - Gosberton house academy
Nominee Service - Miss Stanton

Nomination Details
I cannot thank the staff and class team of badgers at Gosberton house academy Spalding.

My son has been at Gosberton House since reception he is now going into year 6 in sept this year.

He has changed in his time there, he is more confident, less aggressive and his sense of humour is brilliant, the staff have taught him so much and supported him above and beyond, they have also supported us as his family and no task to help has been too much, always happy to help and reassure.

This is why I believe Miss Stanton and her staff team deserve this so much, we are forever grateful for all they have done for our family

Nominated Date - 06-09-2022
Nominee Name - Mrs amy Mitchell
Nominee Service - Nursery teacher

Nomination Details
Mrs Mitchell from Stickney Primary school has been an amazing support for our son, who is autistic and struggles with dealing with situations. I can’t thank her enough for everything she has done for us.

Nominated Date - 13-09-2022
Nominee Name - Miss joanne shudell
Nominee Service - King Edward Academy

Nomination Details
Miss Shudell always goes above and beyond for her students.

My daughter has left her secondary school setting but Miss Shudell is still helping support her needs to appeal for transport to her college as this has been declined.

Nominated Date - 22-10-2022
Nominee Name - Mrs Hodges (Mount Street Academy)
Nominee Service - Teacher

Nomination Details
She goes above and beyond to make sure my son has the support he needs.

Even though she hasn't had my child in her class long she's had one of their senco staff observe him to give me feedback amd arranged a meeting with the special needs team.She tells me what he's done in the day and what has over whelmed him.She is caring and kind and her communication is always 100% and never condescending or patronising.

Nominated Date - 24-10-2022
Nominee Name - Mrs Lianne Cook
Nominee Service - SENDCO

Nomination Details
The Headteacher of my sons infant school who has supported him since the first half term recognising the symptoms of his condition and putting a support package in place.

Nominated Date - 29-11-2022
Nominee Name - Frampton preschool
Nominee Service - Frampton preschool

Nomination Details
My twins started at Frampton preschool during lockdown 2021.
My little girl has additional needs and the staff instantly made me feel at ease! They are so inclusive and nothing was too much trouble for them.

They kept me updated daily.
When it was time for my twins to move to nursery the transition support was amazing! Her key worker supported her each week whilst visiting her new nursery.

They really do go over and above ❤️

Nominated Date - 07-12-2022
Nominee Name - Frampton pre school
Nominee Service - Pre school

Nomination Details
Frampton pre school go above and beyond to help children with additional needs, even before any funding etc is in place they will start the additional activities and give the time and support the children need.

I have now have 2 children attend both with additional needs and they have supported both them and myself through the process of getting them ready for school.

They adapt and change things to meet individual children’s needs as they believe not one thing fits all children.
I really don’t know where we would be without them.