Nominate your school for Derrytrasna Pastoral Care Awards

The Department of Education, in partnership with the Public Health Agency, is seeking examples of outstanding pastoral care in schools.

The Derrytrasna Pastoral Care Award provides recognition to school communities that have demonstrated exceptional co-operative effort in supporting the pastoral care of pupils by going above and beyond to make a real difference to the lives of pupils.

Department of Education Permanent Secretary Dr Mark Browne said:

"There are many schools that go the extra mile everyday for their pupils. Exceptional pastoral support is about a level of care that is over and above what is expected and what is offered to pupils by teachers or the school community. It is important that we acknowledge and celebrate such work.

"I would encourage communities to nominate their schools to demonstrate the value that they place in the help and support they provide to children and young people.

"There were 293 nominations received for the 2023 awards, which shows the value that communities place on our schools and it would be great to see even more entries this year."

Schools cannot self-nominate but parents or others in the wider school community can nominate a school that has provided exceptional pastoral care.

Maurice Meehan, Public Health Agency, said:

"The Public Health Agency is delighted to be involved with the Derrytrasna Pastoral Care Awards this year. We all have a responsibility to promote the emotional health and wellbeing of our children and young people. Good pastoral care is a fundamental element of this through supporting pupils with their personal and social development and enabling positive life outcomes for the future."

Principal of Tullygally Primary School Kirsty Andrews, one of the winners of the 2023 awards said:

"It was an honour to receive public recognition for the outstanding work we do here at Tullygally Primary School. All staff continue to provide support to all children and families in our school community even during the challenging times that we have all faced over this past number of years."

Nominations for the Derrytrasna Pastoral Care Awards 2024 Awards should be made by no later than 15 December 2023 using the nomination form available at: www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/derrytrasna-award-pastoral-care

Notes to editors:

1. The Derrytrasna Pastoral Care Award is named after St Mary's Primary School in Derrytrasna, the school whose exceptional pastoral care for a terminally ill pupil inspired the award.
2. Tullygally Primary School, Carrick Primary School, St Catherine's College and Knockavoe School were winners of the 2023 award, which covered the 2019 - 2022 academic years.
3. The application period will be open from 7 November 2023 to 15 December 2023.
4. Follow us on Twitter @Education_ni
5. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office at [email protected]

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