main content Bromley children project scoops top award

The Bromley Children Project has picked up a prestigious national award for its innovative work with parents.

The team, which operates in 16 primary schools in the borough, won the Social Inclusion Achievement of the Year at the annual MJ Achievement Awards.

The Project beat entries from local authorities from across the country and were presented with their award by BBC world affairs editor John Simpson.

The news comes a week after the team was shortlisted for a national customer service award.

Executive Councillor for Children and Young People Councillor Graham Arthur said: “It is gratifying to receive national recognition for a team that we know locally are absolutely first rate.

I am delighted Bromley Children Project has won this award, I have every admiration for our staff but also for the parents who help to make the service so special.”

The Project helps children make the most of their time at school by encouraging parents to be involved in their children's education, and to continue their own education and training.

By asking parents and children what they would find useful, it ensures activities are appropriate and worthwhile.

Michael Burton, editor of local government magazine The MJ, said the response to this year’s awards had been overwhelming. He added: “This only proves the extraordinary level of innovation in local government and the desire by councils who are justifiably proud of their services to tell the world about them.”

This is the second year of the national awards organised by The MJ. All local authorities in the UK are eligible to enter.

ENDS

Notes to editors 

• Aimed at parents of children aged four to 11, and young children themselves, the Project currently operates in the community in Mottingham, St Mary Cray, St Paul’s Cray, the Ramsden estate, Penge and Anerley.
• Within these communities, the Project is currently in 16 primary schools.
• Activities include:
  
  o lifelong learning courses and training placements;
  o counselling, advice and guidance;
  o individual child/parent and family support for parenting, emotional and practical difficulties; and
  o crèche facilities.

• For media enquiries, please contact Liz Davis, Bromley Children Project Manager, on 020 8313 4120, or Richard Simcox, Communications Officer, on 020 8313 4310, or email richard.simcox@bromley.gov.uk