Families First Awards Spring 2019

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE SPRING 2019 9th March 2019 / Titanic Belfas t

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Toddlers: Pre Babies: 2 to 3 School: 3 months years 3 to 5 to 2 years years

5 to 12 years

Inspired by incredible Mums At Snuggles, we know just how important it is to work closely with families to help their children grow and learn. We’re always amazed by the strength and determination of the parents we work with, and how parents juggle their daily lives to give their children the best opportunities they can. We find that expression of love to be truly inspirational, and it helps us strive to be the best nursery we can possibly be.

Mums That’s why we’re – we think you’re honoured to be the incredible. proud sponsors of Here’s to all of you.

Mum of the Year.

1A Church Avenue, Bangor, County Down BT20 3EQ 02891 272 900 info@snugglesdaynursery.co.uk snugglesdaynursery.co.uk

St Joseph’s Primary School, 7 Lurgylea Road, Galbally, Dungannon.

BT70 2NX Tel: 02887 758204

www.

StJosephsGalbally. com Follow on Twitter @GalballyPS

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The staff and pupils at St. Joseph’s want to congratulate Mr Kelly on getting to the finalst stage at this year’s Families First Awards

INTRODUCTION Welcome everyone.

The Families First Awards are in their tenth year, and to mark the occasion we are holding them in the oppulent surroundings of the world renowned Titanic, Belfast.

Our highly anticpated awards had a humble beginning hosting a ceremony to just over one hundred attendees, now our events attract almost two and a half thousand attendees per year.

As ever, this year nominations have come in thick and fast.

So many wonderful people and businesses were brought to our attention. People and businesses who have gone above and beyond their duty to make life a bit easier for familiy life. Our website platform welcomes and encourages comments and stories about all of our finalists - it’s wonderful for us to read all of these

inspiring writings. Many stories would bring a tear to your eye, others are absolutely heartwarming.

All of our finalists listed in this book have demonstrated a positive desire to help others, so whether they come first place or not - they are all winners to us.

Have a great night,

Ann and the team

SPONSORS

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

FINALISTS

CHILD SUPERSTAR

sponsored by:

JAMES MCCULLOUGH James is 12 years old, his Mum suffers from Severe M.E. At 8 James set a goal of raising £1000 for Hope 4 M.E & Fibro N.I. James is a Young Ambassador for M.E, was awarded Fundraiser of the year and was recognised by the volunteer bureau. James deserves to get this award as his determination to make a difference has already positively impacted thousands of patients and he’s continuing with a new campaign of £2000.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

NAS Omagh provides information about Autism Spectrum Disorder. We raise awareness and can sign post to the services available.

Services we offer include family support group meetings, social and therapeutic activities for parents and carers . A family club for the children and their siblings with activities such as slime making ,arts/crafts , xbox and a sensory room.

We also run day trips away and have a residential weekend away.

For more information contact Olive Breslin 07500037784 FB National Autistic Society west branch Omagh

FINALISTS

INSPIRATIONAL CHILD

sponsored by:

ANGELINA KANE Angelina is a 9 year old girl . She is the kindest little girl always looking out for others.

She has raised over £2000 For make a wish charity and also over £4000 for never forgotten in past year doing various fund raising events and never asks for anything in return.

She loves knowing that the money she raises goes to help another child.

Angelina enjoys taking part in natural pageants last year she came 2nd place in ultimate beauty of the world and this year is to compete in April for face of northern Ireland which will be held in Belfast.

So far she has raised £550 For cancer focus just beginning after Christmas.

Angelina loves fashion and make up and also enjoys playing with her dog Darcey.

She loves making music videos and everyone loves to watch them :) She is a great friend to everyone.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

Proudly awarded

Victoria Park Primary School Living to Learn, Learning to Live!

"We are proud to be an inclusive school providing a high quality, creative and challenging education within a secure, caring and happy environment, where every child experiences a sense of enjoyment and achieves their full potential"

Visit our website to find out more information www.victoriaparkprimaryschool.co.uk

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“Achieving Potential in a Caring Environment.”

BALLYHENRY PRIMARY SCHOOL

45 Ballyhenry Avenue, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, BT36 5AZ Principal: Mrs L Knocker, Hon Psyc, P.G.C.E., MSc Ed, P.Q.H. Telephone: (028) 9084 1316 Fax: (028) 9084 3610 Email: info@ballyhenryps.newtownabbey.ni.sch.uk

FINALISTS

PRE-SCHOOL NURSERY UNIT ORRITOR NURSERY SCHOOL Orritor Nursery Unit is located 3 miles outside Cookstown in a rural location. It provides our community with excellent preschool provision. In our 2016 inspection it was described as ‘Outstanding’ in all categories .

The staff provide a warm caring atmosphere within which children are nur tured and can begin their learning pathway through to Orritor Primary School. The needs of the child are always foremost in our minds.

BALLYMAGEE NURSERY UNIT Ballymagee Nursery, Bangor places family at the heart of its ethos. Children of all abilities are encouraged and nurtured to be the very best that they can be and are given time and freedom to make choices, explore, experiment, discover, try out new skills, learn from trial and error, solve problems and have fun! Children and parents are encouraged to develop a love for learning, build self-esteem and independence and promote positive attitudes towards others.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

FINALISTS

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT KERRY McGUINESS - ROSSMAR PS Kerry is a classroom assistant who has a huge heart.

She is very bubbly and fun to be around. She brings the classroom to life. She is a great asset to any pupils that she works with.

AUVEEN COLLINS / ST. RONAN’S Mrs Auveen Collins is currently working in KS2 with a P7 child. She has been supporting learning in St. Ronan’s PS for 7 years, contributing to all aspects of school life.

ROBERTA LYONS / ASHFIELD GIRLS A true inspiration who is dedicated to the pupils & staff in Ashfield Girls’ who were all devastated when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through it all she remained positive and stayed in contact with school.

KAREN SMALLWOOD / HARPURS HILL A classroom assistant in Harpur’s Hill PS supporting both individuals and groups with their educational, physical & social development, in and out of the classroom. For her it’s not a job but a passion for seeing children included and treated as equals.

JACQUELINE DEMIRTAS / ST. PATRICK’S Jacqueline is such an inspirational person. She endeavours to do her best at all times. She has an infectious smile and laugh which brings joy to all our children, parents and staff in St. Patrick’s PS.

MARGARET JORDAN / ST. MARY’S PS When you think of a mentor, organiser, gardener, seamstress, game instigator, comforter and friendly face, you are thinking of Mrs Jordan in her daily role as classroom assistant.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

play .. playing to o t g lea in n r rn a le

For happy childhood memories and care, the award winning Friends Day Nursery Crossgar provides a warm, homely and safe environment where families have been made welcome since 2012.

Our aim is for children, even those from the earliest age to develop physically, socially and educationally whilst playing within our care and guidance.

Friends Day Nursery Crossgar, The Square, Crossgar, BT30 9EE Tel: 028 44832847, Web: www.friendsdaynursery.uk

FINALISTS

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER MR DOEY / BALLYSALLY PS Jonny Doey, a Primary 6 Teacher in Ballysally Primary School. Jonny is born and bred in Ballysally and is highly involved in the local church and community there. He has contributed and orchestrated charity events within the community.

MRS BEATTY / VICTORIA PARK PS

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Mrs Beatty has taught for almost 40 years, specialising first in Early Years and then in Learning Support. Mrs Beatty feels that teaching has given her a wonderful and satisfying career, allowing her to develop skills which enhance the educational opportunities of all the children in her care. Mrs Beatty states, “Even after all this time, I am still amazed and delighted at how keen children are to learn and I get as much satisfaction as they do when they achieve something they didn’t think they ever could!”

AOIFE MCDAID, PENNY CROMIE, DOROTHY BROWN & JOANNE O’CONNOR Aoife McDaid, Penny Cromie, Dorothy Brown and Joanne O’Connor are ASD staff in the specialist class at the Model PS in Derry.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

JOANNE MCCALLION - ROSSMAR PS Joanne is the Head of Primary Department in Rossmar Special School. She is a dedicated and valued member of our teaching staff. She gets on well with parents, staff and pupils throughout the school community. She is creative and innovative and always puts the needs of the pupils first.

MRS MCDOUGALL / VICTORIA PARK PS Mrs Gillian McDougal is the Head of Pastoral Care, as well as part of the Senior Leadership Team. She oversees the School Council and encourages the children to take part in having a voice in the running of their school. She is the Designated teacher for Child Protection & is committed and dedicated in these roles as well as being an outstanding P6 teacher.

MS MORRISON / ORANGEFILED PS Mrs Morrison has been teaching in Orangefield Primary from 1990. From the very beginning of her career at Orangefield she been dedicated and has always given more than could ever be asked of her.

MRS GRADY / ST. NICHOLAS PS Mary loves to shape the mind of the pupils of Ardglass and shares her own passions of travel and languages to engage pupils brilliantly.

Mary helps pupils overcome setbacks through praise and encourages self-motivation. She allows them to believe they can change the world and can make a difference.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

FINALISTS

PRIMARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL A STEVENSON / TONAGH PS My name is Alison Stevenson and I’m very privileged and proud to be principal of Tonagh Primary School in Lisburn. We have amazing children and a fabulous school community. I also am involved with volunteering, particularly through Girls’ Brigade.

GEOFF DUNN / BALLYSALLY PS Geoff has worked in Ballysally Primary for his full career. Geoff is a member of the NI Nurture Group Network and has passionately sought to promote the ‘Nurture’ concept and ethos with Stormont Ministers and officials, DE, ETI and many other schools throughout N Ireland.

MRS GOURLEY / VICTORIA PARK PS Andrea Gourley was educated in Elmgrove Primary School and Bloomfield Collegiate and has spent her entire teaching career in East Belfast. She moved to Strand Primary School in 1999 and managed the amalgamations of local schools before becoming the first principal of the newly formed Victoria Park Primary School.

MRS DUFF / LINN PRIMARY Being Principal of Linn Primary School is a privilege.

For me school is about educating the whole child and I believe we do that well. I make a point of getting to know our kids and their families. I believe in high standards and I want our pupils to push the boundaries, to be willing to try new things and get the most out of life. Nothing is insurmountable!

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

Adventures Day Nursery is a private nursery catering for children from 8 weeks to 12 years old. Our ethos is that every child can, and will, reach their full potential if they are treated as an individual and cared for in a safe and supportive environment. We are an All Ireland Centre of Excellence nursery, which ensures we offer the highest standard of care possible. We are also an award-winning setting. Amongst our most recent awards we have received recognition for our commitment to supporting and developing our staff, providing a family friendly environment and highly commended as the Best Company to Work for in Belfast.

Our parents continually rate us as 10 out of 10, and have stated “a warm and open relationship exists between the staff and parents, and both see childcare as a partnership�.

If you would like to visit us, please contact Maria or Joanne on 028 9060 4901.

We will be delighted to show you around our wonderful nursery.

146 Glen Road. Belfast. BT11 8BN | 028 9060 4901 www.adventuresdaynursery.com | adventuresdaynursery@hotmail.co.uk

FINALISTS

PRIMARY SCHOOL

sponsored by:

ST. RONAN’S PS & NURSERY

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St Ronan’s Primary & Nursery School is a large school in Lisnaskea. It caters for pupils from 3-11 years. Our motto is Nurture, Inspire, Respect.

We aim to meet the needs of all children through a supportive, caring and nurturing environment supported by parents, parish and community.

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Ballyhenry Primary School is a small school at the heart of our community in Glengormley!

Our motto is “Achieving Potential in a Caring Environment” and we do just that! We are a family-friendly school offering wrap-around care, programmes for younger siblings and we welcome all during our Coffee Mornings.

VICTORIA PARK PS Victoria Park PS opened in 2008 and a new state-of-the art school was completed in December 2014. The school is at the heart of the Sydenham community and provides an outstanding education for its 400 pupils.

ST. PATRICK’S PS MULLANASKEA St. Patrick’s P.S. is a co-educational school. Our motto is to ‘the best for each of our pupils’ Each pupil is known by all staff, there is an open door policy for parents and we have also got a very proactive P.T.A. FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

FINALISTS

ST. JOHN’S PS EGLISH St. John’s Eglish is located in an attractive, rural setting.

It is characterised by its strong sense of community and its friendly family atmosphere. Children are taught in small classes which mean they can be sure of individual attention.

MARALIN VILLAGE PS Set in the hear t of the village of Magheralin, we s trive to provide excellence in education, while giving ever y child the oppor tunity to achieve their full potential, encouraging each individual.

BRANIEL PRIMARY SCHOOL “The considerations and needs of the child is paramount within the school community and we are committed to ensuring a safe, harmonious environment in which the child is supported physically, emotionally, spiritually, intellectually and socially.”

MOAT PRIMARY SCHOOL Moat Primary is a rural school in Lisnaskea with 128 pupils. It is a growing school with many travelling a distance just to be at the school. Its principal used to be a pupil at the school. Now she is at the helm of this ‘outstanding school’.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

FINALISTS

SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL

ROSSMAR SCHOOL Rossmar School is a controlled Special School providing education and therapy services to 131 statemented children within and beyond the Roe Valley area. Our pupils are aged between 3 to 19 with a variety of learning difficulties ranging from moderate, severe and profound learning difficulties. We aim to provide a safe, secure, stimulating and challenging learning environment within which to give each individual pupil the opportunity to achieve the greatest potential which he / she is capable.

The school community is united in its aim to ensure that our pupils are highly valued and at the centre of every aspect of school life. The teaching and learning in the school provides our pupils with a broad and balanced education and therapeutic intervention as necessary. It is designed to promote the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, physical and aesthetic development of the learner.

Our pupils are recognised and valued both as individuals and as members of the community and as such are encouraged to develop self-confidence, tolerance, independence and self-discipline There is high value placed on relationships between pupils, staff and parents as we all work together to create a positive attitude to school life, creating friendships and partnerships to ensure that all are provided with as many opportunities both in the classroom and out of school to ensure that ‘Together we grow, learn and succeed.’ FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

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Best After School Activity

FINALISTS

DAY NURSERIES

sponsored by:

SNUGGLES DAYCARE Snuggles Day Nursery in Bangor works closely with parents to make sure everything we do contributes to giving children a great start. We go above and beyond to support the children in our care and their parents, making families happier as a result.

TIGER TOTS Tiger Tots Day Nursery cares for children from 12 weeks to 12 years of age. Our nursery is a place of exploration, learning and warmth, where every child is treated like one of our own.

THE DEN Established in 1994 The Den provides Nursery & AfterSchool care. We create a loving, homely environment to grow and play with healthy home cooked meals offering the highest quality of care. With a fully qualified team & a continuous training program, The Den provides enriching early learning experiences that stimulate creative minds & meet developmental needs.

ARTICLAVE DAY NURSERY Holding little hands to reach big milestones in a safe and a stimulating environment.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

FINALISTS

DAY NURSERIES CONTINUED ADVENTURES DAY NURSERY A private nursery catering for children from 8 weeks to 12 years old. Our ethos is that every child can, & will, reach their full potential if they are treated as an individual & cared for in a safe and supportive environment. We are an All Ireland Centre of Excellence nursery and we are also an award-winning setting. Amongst our most recent awards we have received recognition for our commitment to supporting & developing our staff, providing a family friendly environment & highly commended as the Best Company to Work for in Belfast.

BUSY KIDS Busy Kids Day-care’s approach to childcare is a highly practical way of working with families within a robust theoretical structure. We pride ourselves in our thoughtful psychodynamic approach with practical child development and behavioural approaches.

As a whole, we are a highly motivated team of reflective practitioners which aids us to deliver a high quality of care.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

FINALISTS

PETITE FEET Petite Feet Day Nursery is a busy hub full of activity and fun based in Newtownabbey. With children at the core of everyday life at Petite Feet we strive to give them the best start and make every day as stimulating, fun and enjoyable as possible.

IKIDS

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At iKids nursery we pride ourselves on going above and beyond for our families and meeting each need they may have. iKids nursery have set a new standard for day care and continue to do so, from the simple things that children need, to giving back to our community.

FRIENDS CROSSGAR At Friends our children play to learn and learn to play. With over twenty years experience in Child Care we provide the high standards that parents have come to expect from a modern nursery along with the stimulation and education that children require in order to develop and flourish in a comfortable environment. It is our aim to make every day that a child spends with us a special day.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

St. Ronan’s Primary & Nursery School Lisnaskea

St. Ronan’s Primary and Nursery School is situated in Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh and caters for 374 children. Our motto is Inspire, Nurture, Respect. We live this motto every day in the approach we take to best meet the needs of all children in our school. As well as a focus on academic ability, we concentrate on the physical, intellectual, emotional and social aspects of developing each child. The dedicated and hard-working teachers are ably supported by a team of classroom assistants who are highly skilled and adept at bringing out the best in each child so that the curriculum and after school activities are accessible for all.

F: stronansps

T: @stronansprimary

W: www.stronansps.com

COMMUNITY DAYCARE

FINALISTS

TLC DAYCARE TLC is a small daycare facility and has been established for 10 years, looking after only 14 children age 0-4 years. With an hourly rate and minimum 2 hours childcare per day, an open space design that allows staff to watch children from any area, inside or out makes us unique in our sector.

BRIGHT SPARKS Bright Sparks Childcare and Nursery is a social economy project of East Belfast Mission. We support families in the local Community by working closely with The Community Family Support Programme and Lemis+ Project.

BULRUSH COMMUNITY DAYCARE Bulrush Day Nursery is the Social Economy Business for the Vine Centre. Established in 2004, we are Celebrating our 15 th Birthday this year.

Our main aim is to Care and to Learn our Children through Play.

MENCAP CHILDRENS CENTRE The Mencap Children’s Centre in Belfast is a unique specialist learning environment for children with a learning disability, autism and developmental delay, which is run in partnership with the Belfast Health Trust.

ST MARYS PARENT AND TODDLER St Mary’s parent and toddler is a non funded community group in North Belfast, run by a dedicated group of volunteers who rely solely on donations and community spirit. We offer a fun, safe environment for children from birth to preschool accompanied with their parents/carers.

FINALISTS

PLAYGROUPS PLAYAWAY PLAYGROUP Playaway Playgroup is a playgroup/ preschool in Islandmagee, based in Islandmagee Community Centre.

We admit children from 2 years, 10 months old and of fer free funded places for preschoolers.

We have great facilities inside and out - including use of the park and our own garden area.

CARLISLE HALL PLAYGROUP Carlisle Hall Playgroup aims to provide a caring,safe and stimulating environment.

Staff have been trained in order to provide a curriculum whereby a child’s physical,intellectual,emotional,social and language development will take place through a wide variety of Play Activities.

All the Staff aim to form a trusting and caring relationship with each child attending the Playgroup.Our work here is perceived as more than just a job,as it is a pleasure and joy for us to share in the lives of the children.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

Northern Ireland’s first daycare offering full daycare for children specialising in careing for children with complex needs.

Birth to 4 years Fully registered with Early Years SHSCT Registered Award winner 2018 - exceptional care Hygiene rating 5 stars Makaton Friendly Sensory room on site Wheelchair friendly Fully trained Paediatric nurse on site daily Trained Nursery Assistants Outside play area

To book a space for 2019 - call anytime 028 3898 4004

FINALISTS

AFTERSCHOOL

CLIMBING TREE A privately owned facility of fering Breakfas t Clubs, After School sessions and Holiday playcare across three fantas tic locations in Eas t Belfas t. They are a professional ser vice and regis tered with the Belfas t Health and Social Care Trus t.

At the Climbing Tree they pride themselves on the ser vices they of fer.

Their focus is on providing a safe, creative and nourishing environment for all of their children, regardless of ability and background.

Across three set tings they have fully qualif ied play-workers, who unders tand the impor tance of play an encourage children to mentally and physically develop though a range of after school activities, including spor ts, ar ts & crafts, drama and baking.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

Braniel Primary School is situated on a large, attractive site on the Lower Braniel Road in the Castlereagh area of Belfast, serving the immediate area and the wider area of Castlereagh, including Gilnahirk, Moneyreagh, Orangefield, Dundonald much further afield. The school has been serving the community since 1959. We aim to secure an environment in which pupils can learn, and achieve their full potential, through effective learning and teaching.

The considerations and needs of the child is paramount within the school community and we are committed to ensuring a safe, harmonious environment in which the child is supported physically, emotionally, spiritually, intellectually and socially. In the last 5 years, Year 1 to Year 7 has welcomed 142 new pupils, an increase of 43 per cent to our current enrolment of 470 pupils.

Breakfast Club, Playgroup and Wrap-Around-Care available onsite each day. Homework assistance and a range of activities supervised by Braniel primary School Staff.

Braniel Primary School, Ravenswood Park, Belfast, BT5 7JU Telephone: 02890 401234 . Web: www.branielps.com

FINALISTS

BEST PRE-SCHOOL ACTIVITY PROVIDER

JO JINGLES NEWTOWNABBEY As a Jo Jingles franchisee I provide fun interactive music and movement classes for babies, toddlers, preschool and KS1. Jo Jingles runs in various settings including public classes, private day nurseries, nursery schools, playgroups, government funded sessions and parent groups. Some of our most successful and rewarding classes are held in SEN settings. Something new to our portfolio in 2018 was the launch of our intergenerational classes working with preschool children in care home settings and this is proving to be a great hit with both young and old. Our structured themed fun educational classes give children the opportunity to play a variety of percussion instruments and use props which help develop confidence, language and social skills, stimulate imagination and improve their balance and coordination. Classes are carefully structured and designed according to age and ability.

With our regular training and sourcing of new instruments, props and music Jo Jingles has developed and grown throughout Northern Ireland over the last 19 years.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

139 Church Road Newtownabbey BT36 6HH 028 9096 5063

petitefeetdaynursery.co.uk

Petite Feet Day Nursery is a busy hub full of activity and fun based in Newtownabbey. With children at the core of everyday life at Petite Feet we strive to give them the best start and make every day as stimulating, fun and enjoyable as possible.

Petite Feet Day Nursery is a busy, fun filled setting based in Glengormley open Monday to Friday 7.30am to 6pm. Our aim is to provide a homely atmosphere in conjunction with the quality care that each child is entitled to. Every child in our care will experience fun, laughter, friendship, growth and stimulation each and every day along with qualified, caring, motivated staff who ensure every child is nurtured to their full potential. First established in 2001, we have grown from a small nursery setting to an exciting busy ‘hub’ that cares for children from babies and young infants right through to school aged children. Being awarded ‘Best Overall Day Nursery’ at the 2018 Families First Awards was an honour for our staff but also was a measure of how much we have grown as a setting and that our parents value the service we provide and the individual care, love and attention given to every child within our setting.

FINALISTS

CHARITY SUPPORTING FAMILIES LINKS2PINK

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Links2pink is a local, community focused charity based in Antrim. We run fun local events to raise funds to help families who are suffering due to illness in the old Borough of Antrim. We ask families what they need to help them during times of illness and then we provide funding to meet their need.

The committee is made up of 9 full time working volunteers and we raise funds through the support of those who live in the same community.

PARENTS UNITE

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We are a new group of parents who have found themselves united by the fact that our children have differing and additional needs. We have seen ourselves and friends struggle as our children strive to fit in to society. We have uncovered a huge shortfall in the provision of services, clubs and events where our children can be themselves and interact without judgement. We are unique in that we are inclusive of all and any disability. We are family focused and encourage siblings to join in our activities.

We provide a support network for parents.

POP ART / LIFE CHANGE CHANGES LIVE Life Change Changes Lives is a registered charity which supports those affected by mental ill health and/or addiction, suicidal ideations and social isolation. LCCL operates it’s Pop up Art Project in Downpatrick and provides Art as Therapy, Counselling, Peer Mentoring, Support and Training for those affected as well as their families. LCCL provides therapeutic intervention, we are intergenerational and open and accessible to all Section 75 groups.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

INTEGRATED SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE A community & voluntary organisation delivering a range of suppor t ser vices to families across Greater Shankill since 2009.

ISCYP aims to improve the life chances of Children, young people and families using a holistic, wrap-around approach. Our ser vices are delivered in a conf idential, nonjudgemental, friendly and suppor tive manner.

STEP UP STEP DOWN FOSTERING NETWORK The Fostering Network in partnership with South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust deliver Step Up Step Down, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. This innovative programme utilises the skills of Foster carers to support families on the periphery of the care system to stay together through mentoring, respite breaks, training and activities.

SAME SEX FAMILY PROJECT / HERENI The Same-sex Family Project is a partnership project between HERe NI and The Rainbow Project, funded by The Big Lottery. We offer weekly Rhyme Time and monthly family meet ups in Belfast, Foyle and Newry. Regular meet ups help the families to affirm their identities, build resilience and support one another.

TRIPLE A Triple A provide daytime opportunities to adults with autism/learning and physical disabilities.

We provide a safe fun environment to learn new skills,form and maintain friendships and be integrated into the community where they can access local facilities with assisted support.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

FINALISTS

GOLD STAR AWARD NANA G Northern Ireland’s first daycare offering full daycare for children specialising in caring for children with complex needs. Birth to 4 years. Fully registered with Early Years. SHSCT Registered.

Award winner 2018 - exceptional care.

IKIDS When opening our doors in 2015, iKids promised to deliver a fresh approach to childcare, we have achieved this and more. With waiting lists for rooms within months and now expanding to new sites. This gold star award would be gratitude for all the hard work that iKids have achieved so far and will continue to do so.

KINSHIP CARE Kinship Care NI is an award winning charity which helps and supports children who cannot be cared for by their own parents to live safely and securely within their own families and communities.

MRS BARR ASHGROVE NURSERY SCHOOL The goal at Ashgrove Nursery School is to provide a loving, caring educational environment where each child is exposed to optimum potential for learning. We are a highly motivated staff, willing to take on new challenges, with our families at the heart of all that we do.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

FINALISTS

REACH FAR We specialise in helping nervous children and adults learn to enjoy water and become competent swimmers.

All our sessions are held in our private warm pool.

'We specialise in helping nervous children and adults learn to enjoy the water and become competent swimmers.'

We provide: Children

KIT WILLIAMSON

* small classes with a maximum of 4 in a class and the teacher is in the water. * 2-1 sessions for 2 children with the teacher in the water. * 1-1 sessions for 1 child with the teacher in the water.

Adults

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* 1-1 sessions for 1 adult with the teacher in the water.

* 2-1 sessions for 2 adults with the teacher in the water.

All our sessions are held in our private warm pool.

Catherine Williamson MA, BSc, DASE, RGN is the owner/manager of Friends Day Nursery in Crossgar. A former nurse and lecturer at Queens University, Catherine has been a professional in child care for over 25 years establishing the ‘Friends Day Nursery’ brand in 1998.

JOEY KELLY Pupils, parents, staff and the wider community can all attest to Joey’s love of his profession and his ability to inspire and encourage all learners in his care. A proud native of Loughmacrory, County Tyrone, Mr Kelly is always a source of positivity, energy and good humour to those around him and is selfless in his efforts to help others. We are immensely proud that he has been recognised by Families First, and appreciate more than anyone how deserving he is of this award.

FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

FINALISTS

INSPIRATIONAL PERSON TRACEY MAGORRIAN - ACS DOWNPATRICK I work as a team leader in Acute Community Services in mental health .Our role is to treat people with Acute Mental health difficulties in their home and provide support for the loved ones . Also to ensure early discharge for those individuals who have been admitted to hospital . It is a challenging and rewarding job which is made so much easier as have a fantastic team and managers who support me .

THERESA LEAVY

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Theresa has gone through brain surgery and her daughter being diagnosed with MS. She is a wife, mother of two smashing girls and bestest friend a girl could ask for. She works full time, does a fantastic job of raising awareness of MS, and fundraising for MS Charities. She is Vice Chair of MS Society NI Council. Theresa is always welcoming and the kettle is always on.

CHRISTINE WILSON Christine Wilson has been the Family Support Worker for 10 years in Lisnabreen Church & puts others before herself in everything that she does. She helps others out that are less fortunate and helps to bring families together with the different groups she runs in the Church.

Christine has a heart of gold that she loves to share with others.

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CAROLINE CURLEY - INTEGRATED SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Caroline Curley has been a member of ISCYP family support team since it began. A warm and caring individual who has always built an excellent rapport with the families she supported. Caroline has wonderful people skills, a practical and professional approach and is committed to being the best advocate for families.

OLIVE BRESLIN - NAS OMAGH Olive is married to Pete and together they have 4 children, two of which have ASD. Olive works as a carer for the elderly.

She has been involved with the local NAS branch for ten years and has been chairperson for three.

In her spare time Olive enjoys baking for her family and friends.

SAMANTHA TAGGART

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Samantha Taggart lost her father in 2009 and her mother suddenly in 2015 both to cancer.

Since then she has tirelessly tried to organise some sort of fundraiser each year to help support cancer charities. To date almost ÂŁ17000 has been given to MacMillan Cancer, Bandanas for the Brave, Sarcoma Uk and Just Keep Swimming Yaya.

MOYRA BEATTIE - SCRABO CHILDRENS CENTRE FAMILIESFIRSTAWARDS.COM

FINALISTS

GRANDPARENTS OF THE YEAR

LISA AND JOHN RYAN Lisa and John took their grandson Seth into their home in July 2016 aftter his mum had taken ill and was unable to look after him. At the time his education was suffering as he was only attending school for an hour a day, and the school was struggling to help him through no fault of their own. Fast forward a couple of years and Seth is now attending school full-time and even attends some afterschool activities.

With the love and support from his grandparents he has flourished, discovering a love of Lego - frequently completing a set within a couple of hours.

Lisa and John Ryan are certainly deserving finalists for the title of this years’ Grandparents of the year.

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DAD OF THE YEAR SEAN LAWLOR Dad to four great kids, one of whom is physically and mentally disabled.

A successful business Man. Seán gives his all to everything he does ,he works long hours but still manages to fundraise for our local school .Nothing is a bother to Seán he has been known to do a great Tina Turner or Elvis for many charity functions and most recently the Greatest Showman for his daughter’s dance school..!

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FINALISTS

MUM OF THE YEAR

sponsored by:

LINDA FOX “Honestly I am overwhelmed to be nominated for Mum of the year award.

I would go to the end of the earth to help others.

In recent years both my brother and best friend have fallen ill.

I am blessed to have a son and daughter who look up to me. Hopefully, and in years to come they will help others just like their mum did.”

DAWN FORRESTER About my Mother and my children’s grandmother; since I was born she always put me first no matter what, she worked hard to keep us and give me everything I could ever want or need. Growing up I had depression, she did everything to help, support and love me 110% (I didn’t make it easy for her). Even through all of that I have a lot of very happy memories. As I got older I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and severe anxiety - without fail she does her best to help me manage this. She helps with my kids so I can get rest, but she never gets a rest herself. My mum is my rock and my super hero.

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Our mission statement is ‘To Learn, Live, Love and Laugh’ and we pride ourselves on our care of the children and on the opportunities we give pupils to work towards their full potential.

2 Steps Road, Magheralin, Craigavon, BT67 0QZ Tel: 028 92611678 . Fax: 02892616820 Email: gnapier528@c2kni.net

Castlebalfour Demesne 241 Main Street, Lisnaskea BT92 0JH Tel: 028 677 21212 email: fhumphreys427@c2kni.net www.moatprimary.org.uk

WE PRIDE OURSELVES IN LOOKING AFTER THE WELL-BEING OF OUR PUPILS. WE ENSURE OUR PURPILS ARE VALUED, HAPPY AND SAVE AND THE THEY CAN LEARN AND GROW AS UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS.