EXCEPTIONAL young people in care were celebrated for their achievements at a special awards ceremony this week which was followed by a private screening of the new Despicable Me film.  

Young people were joined by their foster carers, social workers, teachers and education support staff for the Dorset Virtual School Awards which took place at the Odeon Cinema in Dorchester.    

There were nominations for outstanding progress and effort for 158 young people in three age groups. 

There was an additional category for Exceptional Contribution to the Wider Community where children and young people were recognised for their contributions outside of their academic schooling, for example through mentoring, taking part in clubs, volunteering, or fundraising.  

One young person was recognised for their work as a member of the Youth Parliament and their campaigning work on behalf of period poverty. 

Another was commended for volunteering at the Bath & West Show and for helping out at Ryelands Farm (Future Roots) with its day to day running.  

Each child in care has a designated teacher who is responsible for championing their educational needs in their school. The awards recognised three designated teachers who have gone above and beyond for our children and young people and been a true advocate for them. 

Christine Chadwick, Deputy Headteacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead at Yewstock School, said: "Being a Designated Teacher is such an important role within schools. Everything I do in my job, I do with all of the pupils in mind, but feel an increased sense of duty when it comes to our children and young people in care.  

"I feel it is vital I work closely with their teachers, other professionals, carers and loved ones in their lives to help them along their school journey and provide every opportunity to thrive. I want the children and young people in care to know that they have a team around them looking out for them and that I am part of that team.  

"The Dorset Virtual School Awards event is one of the many ways we shine a light on the amazing children and young people in care in Dorset. I have attended the events as the Designated Teacher for my school and am always so impressed with the Virtual School Team and the effort they put into ensuring each child and young person feels special and loved.  

"It is such a lovely way to celebrate their progress, effort, resilience and contributions. I know the pupils from my school leave the event feeling a great sense of belonging." 

Shauna is a foster mum to two children. She said: "I think this event is really important as it highlights the year that the children have had. 

"Whilst we celebrate at home, it's nice to celebrate their achievements with others, particularly with the team that works alongside the children and who are in all the meetings with us or at the end of an email." 

Councillor Clare Sutton, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills, attended the event. She said: "It's so important that we recognise the achievements our young people have made, whether that is the effort they put into their learning or whether it is their contribution to groups in their community through fundraising or volunteering.  

"I speak on behalf of everyone at Dorset Council when I say we are really proud of everything our young people have achieved and I find it personally inspiring." 

"But they couldn't do this without our foster carers, who change the lives of our young people who need it most. Demand for foster carers is high in Dorset at the moment, particularly for teenagers. Our foster carers tell us it's a really rewarding thing to do so if you'd be interested in becoming a foster carer there is lots of information available."