Nominate sports teachers going the extra mile says a key partner of the county’s annual awards event to reward inspirational school staff.

The Kent Teacher of the Year Awards, which offers a ring side seat to teaching excellence, is now open to nominations from families and schools.

Tim Sells of Kent Sport wants to see PE Teachers in the running: “It’s important to celebrate good sports teachers because sport can play a massive part in children’s lives. Having good PE teachers can make a real difference.”

Other award categories include primary teacher, secondary teacher, NQT and volunteer. Non teaching members of staff such as secretaries, caretakers and dinner ladies can also be nominated.

The judging panel will include representatives from Kent University, Kent County Council, Christ Church University, CXK, Medway Youth Trust, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Social Enterprise Kent, Project Salus, Kreston Reeves, LoopCR, Trust Careers at Medway Youth Trust, Hornby, Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, Kent Libraries, the Mercure Great Danes Maidstone, and Beanstalk.

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team, which is organising the event, said: “The ball is in your court to decide who deserves to win a Teacher of the Year award. It is so easy to nominate and a wonderful way to say thank you to all those extra special people at your school.”

A glittering awards dinner will be staged at Mercure Great Danes Hotel, Maidstone in May to honour more than 50 staff and schools.

Members of the public can submit one nomination or more using the online form at www.kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk before the March 1 deadline.