Early years settings and practitioners who have gone the ‘extra mile’ were honoured at the annual The Ann Mason Making a Difference Conference.
The event, organised and hosted by Luton Borough Council’s early years special educational needs team, aimed to highlight achievement and best practice among service providers from the private and voluntary sectors who support young children with special needs.
Awards were presented by the leader of the council, councillor Hazel Simmons, to the practitioner who has undertaken exceptional work over the past year, the setting that has worked outstandingly together and the outstanding Portage practitioner.
Ghosia Akhtar, who has incorporated the Portage principles at Denbigh Pre-School, was praised for her instinctive and inspirational approach towards the children.
The Poppies Nursery Team, who deliver high levels of support to families, were praised for providing activities and support for throughout the school holidays.
Becki Thorne, an inclusion coordinator at Kids Unlimited, was awarded for her outstanding work ensuring the needs of families always come first.