This year, the VSK Apprentices got the amazing opportunity to be part of the judging panel for these awards. Rob and I looked at all 125 nominations, many written by Children In Care themselves. There were so many examples of fantastic foster carers who are really making a difference for Children and Young People in Care! It was very difficult to narrow the nominations down and pick the winners for each category. This year, the panel decided to invite us to present some VSK Apprentice Awards recognising Carers who help their Young People participate in our activity days and Children in Care Councils with the 3 winners chosen entirely by us. It was great honour!
So, on 14th November, we got the train to Folkestone to attend the Awards Ceremony which was been held at the Leas Cliff Hotel. When we arrived, we were given a script so we could present the Apprentice Awards. While waiting for everyone to arrive, we ate some homemade cake which was really yummy!
At 10am, the Awards Ceremony started. It was opened by Caroline Smith, Assistant Director for Corporate Parenting. We watched excitedly as the awards were presented and finally, it was our turn to hand our Awards out. It was really scary as we had to talk in front of over 100 people! At the end of the ceremony, it was photo time and of course us Apprentices jumped at the photo opportunity! After the photos it was time to go home. Hearing the nominations and meeting the foster carers was such a lovely experience. We had a great time!
by Tia Pires-Higgins
posted by Mark Butcher