Time is fast running out to submit nominations for the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards.

The deadline is noon on Friday (March 1).

And, before scrutiny of the nominations begins, the chief executive of one of the awards’ judging organisations has spoken of his delight at playing a role in celebrating the work of life-changing teachers.

James Roberts, chief executive of The Education People, said “I think the awards are a great showcase and great celebration event and recognition for all of the outstanding work that goes on across all of these areas on a day-to-day basis, and of the impact that has on the lives and the life chances of children and young people.

“It’s a job I got into many, many years ago now. I was a teacher myself, and the reason I got into that was to give something back to society. It’s about doing that and improving those life chances for young people.”

Mr Roberts provides services to educational providers across the south-east.

Awards coordinator Karen Brinkman said: “I totally agree with James’ sentiments. Educational staff really don’t get the rewards and recognition they deserve.

“Their work is so important, and has such a significant impact on people’s lives and society as a whole.

“Absolutely anyone can submit a nomination via the simple online system, and I would urge people to do so before the nomination deadlines pass.”

The other judging organisations for the Kent awards are Kent, Greenwich and Canterbury Christ Church universities, Ashford International Hotel, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Kreston Reeves, Social Enterprise Kent, Loop CR, Kent Sport and Physical Education, Salus, Diggerland, Kent Further Education, Medway Youth Trust, KCS, Towergate Insurance, Kape HR, EduKit, Kent and Medway councils and Hornby.

Submit nominations, find out more and download a best-practice brochure detailing last year’s winners at kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk.