Adults Honoured At Isle Of Wight Council Learning Awards

A number of Islanders have been honoured at the annual Isle of Wight Council adult learning awards ceremony.

Held as part of the National Festival of Learning, the evening was filled with praise for adult learning with 13 awards presented by the Adult Community Learning Service.

Councillor Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for education and skills, said the occasion was an opportunity to share and showcase inspiring stories of Islanders going the extra mile for their community.

Speaking at the event, held at Westridge, Ryde, she said:

"I am inspired by the range and types of learning people have undertaken and the impact this has had on their lives, their families or their communities.

“I know your enthusiasm will inspire others to give learning a try and to know the benefits that gaining new skills can bring, at any stage in your life.”

A special accolade recognising community and family involvement — presented in memory of former Downside Middle School teacher Laura Groves — was awarded to Lynne James of The Bay CE Primary School.

Lynne works tirelessly with a large number of families and external professionals to ensure both children and parents are able to access effective support.

Her citation read:

"Over the past 18 months, Lynne’s job and caseload has increased dramatically due to repercussions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

"In order to support families further, Lynne has set up a pop-up foodbank in school and also supports families in applying for grants and hardship funding.

"She works closely with the parish council, local supermarkets, charities and members of the community, to secure grants that would provide our families who needed it with essentials such as uniform vouchers and food."

A highly commended award in this category was presented to Suze Keynes, who has been the safeguarding lead and family inclusion officer for the Oakfield and Arreton Federation since 2012.

Her citation read:

"Suze has continued to demonstrate dedication and commitment throughout the most challenging periods of the pandemic, ensuring every child and their family was supported in the most appropriate way and often giving up her own time in the evenings and weekends to ensure the needs of the children and their families were being met."

Claire Shand, the council's director of corporate services, praised the dedication, resilience and determination of all the award winners. 

She added:

"I never fail to be humbled hearing all the inspirational stories the learners tell; it is so impressive to see such pride in their achievements."

Other winners included:

Donna Smith — the Learning within the Family Award; Brendan Slater — the Learning through Technology Award; Charlie Moore, Learning Through Functional Skills Award; Carly Brett, Lynsey Groves and Celia Brett — Learning for Work Award; Robert (Chip) Clark — Learning for Personal Achievement Award; Penny Crossley for Families Living and Learning Together project; Jan Bull and Annette Whaley— in recognition of their commitment and dedication to teaching and learning.