Emotional support is essential for pupils to thrive in school according to a key partner of the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards.

Anti-bullying group Project Salus (previously known as Kent Safer Schools) is backing the awards to recognise school staff who support pupils’ social development and emotional well-being.

The awards, organised by the KM Charity Team, are open for nominations for anyone making a difference to the success of a school including teachers, volunteers and support staff.

Sally Williamson, director at Project Salus which is supporting the Pastoral Care award, said: “Despite some of the things we hear, a pupil achieving their potential is not just about academic attainment. For a child to fully achieve their potential in life they need to be emotionally well and resilient in the challenges they will face. Children need to feel supported, heard and valued and have their personal, social and emotional needs met if they are to be the best they can be.

“There are some very special staff, in Kent schools, who are using their empathy, enthusiasm, determination and creativity to make sure this happens for all pupils. This includes those who need a little bit of extra support through a tricky time and those who are facing major challenges in their lives. These staff work tirelessly and with endless patience to make sure every child has the chance to succeed.”

She added: “The awards are a chance for parents, colleagues and pupils to offer a small thank you for the huge contribution that they make. They offer a chance to acknowledge that the support they offer really makes a difference to children’s lives.”

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team urged members of the public to waste no time in nominating the shining stars of their schools: “I would encourage everyone to put forward the people who are going above and beyond and are having a dramatic impact on their pupils and school as a whole,” he said.

A number of other organisations have announced their support of the awards including, CXK, Kent Sport, Southern Educational Leadership Trust, Brachers Law, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Social Enterprise Kent, William Giles Chartered Accountants, Kent County Council, Medway Council, Christ Church University, Marlowe Theatre, Leeds Castle, and the following departments at the University of Kent: Politics and International Relations; Psychology; Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Sciences; Physical Sciences; Biosciences; European Culture and Languages; and History.

The 2015 Kent Teacher of the Year Awards will be staged at Leeds Castle on May 19 when around 50 school representatives will be honoured.

To nominate before the March 2 deadline, visit www.kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk.