SOME of the most inspirational children and young people from across Thurrock celebrated a host of remarkable achievements during Thurrock's first-ever SEND and Alternative Provision Awards. 

Thurrock Council hosted a special awards ceremony at Stifford Clays Primary School, which was dedicated to recognising the achievements of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or Alternative Provision in Thurrock. 

The SEND and Alternative Provision Awards aimed to shine a spotlight on children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND or Alternative Provision, who demonstrated resilience, determination, and perseverance in their daily lives. 

Thurrock Music Services provided entertainment.

All of those in attendance were kept well-entertained throughout the evening with some exceptional performances from Thurrock Music Services. 

Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Community Safety, and Cllr Steve Liddiard, Deputy Mayor of Thurrock, joined the celebrations to speak with the attendees and help give out the awards. 

There were a total of seven awards, including: 

· Student of the Year Award – Recognising a child or young person who has shown exceptional commitment to their learning journey.

· Celebrating Success Beyond School – Honouring achievements outside the classroom in areas such as community projects, sports, and the arts.

· Overcoming Adversity to Access Education – Celebrating individuals who have faced personal or social challenges yet continued their education with courage and resilience.

· Star Supporter – Peers & Siblings Award – Recognising the unsung heroes such as siblings, friends, and peers, who offer vital support and encouragement to children and young people with SEND.

· Preparing for Adulthood Achievement Award – Highlighting young people who have embraced opportunities to prepare for adulthood through education, employment, independence, or community involvement.

· Little Achievers Award (EYFS – Overcoming Challenges to Access Education) – Celebrating the youngest achievers who have shown incredible resilience in accessing and thriving in education.

· Alternative Provision Rising Star Award – Recognising exceptional progress in learning and personal development by children and young people in alternative provision, with separate categories for primary and secondary students. 

Jay, winner of the Overcoming Adversity to Access Education Award, said: "To be nominated in the first place really made me feel happy and proud of myself but to WIN it...oh wow there are no words! All my hard work and resilience to prove that I can make a difference made me feel so proud of myself and I want to say a big thank you for everyone who has believed in me." 

Ruby, winner of the Star Supporter: Peers and Siblings Award, said: "To have won the award is one of my proudest moments, it was a pleasure to be a part of the awards ceremony. It was a really special evening." 

Jubril, winner of the Alternative Provision Rising Star Award, said: "I am so happy and so grateful to have won my award." 

Cllr Vikki Hartsteen.

Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "It was an absolute pleasure to have been able to attend Thurrock's first-ever SEND and Alternative Provision Awards and celebrate some of the remarkable achievements our children and young people have accomplished. 

"It was inspiring being able to meet so many individuals who have shown such incredible strength, resilience, and determination in everything they do. As a council, we are deeply committed to supporting our SEND community, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential." 

Deputy mayor Cllr Steve Liddiard hands over one of the awards.

Cllr Steve Liddiard, Deputy Mayor of Thurrock, said: "I want to say a big congratulations to all of the winners and nominees, who are some of Thurrock's most inspiring children and young people. It was fantastic to hear each of their stories and be able to present them with their awards. 

"I also want to say a big thank you to everyone who helped to organise such a special event."