Andy Brown, the Outreach Development Lead for East Sussex, has had his excellent work recognised by Bromley Education Matters - being shortlisted for a 'Bromley Stars' SEND Inclusion Award.
The month-long celebration of achievements is to shine some starlight on anyone that makes a difference to SEND children, young people, and families.
Andy was nominated by his colleague Hayley Andrews, who explains,
“Andy has dedicated his working life to championing children who are finding school and often wider family and community life challenging. The presenting and underlying, often unmet needs of the children he supports are broad and complex, but often feature Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) and/or neurodiversity.
"He looks beyond behaviour and is able to harness immense positivity around children who have often faced significant adversity in their short lives. Andy builds relationships that are meaningful, and he is incredible at keeping others in mind, making them feel that they matter and are valued. In turn, Andy's understanding and belief in a child is influential on all the key people around them, often preventing exclusion from school, social groups and wider society. He frequently goes above and beyond his working role and his impact is often life-long.”
Both Hayley and Andy attended the awards celebration, where they had a wonderful time. The room was filled with many inspirational people, who have left an indelible impact on the hearts of many vulnerable children and families.
Unfortunately, Andy did not win but he was shortlisted from over a hundred nominations, this is a tremendous achievement for Andy, and we are immensely proud of him.
Congratulations Andy!
