The award was created to shine a light on the positive impact of SEND support in Stockport and to thank the people, services and communities who go above and beyond to support families. Families were invited to nominate someone or something that has made a meaningful difference in their SEND journey.
19 nominations were received for the first round of the awards. The judging panel said it was an incredibly difficult decision due to the high quality and heartfelt nature of the nominations.
Meet our first Stockport SEND Superstars
Team Award
Autisk Youth Volunteers are a group of neurodiverse young people aged 13–19 who give their time to support Autisk term time and holiday sessions. Despite their own challenges, they show outstanding commitment to helping their peers feel welcomed, included and confident. They are inspirational role models whose kindness and leadership show other young people that they are not alone and that they truly belong. As one young person shared: “They helped me find a place where I belong.”
Individual Award
Shannon Murray, a Teaching Assistant at St Winifred’s RC Primary School in Stockport, supported a young child with additional needs and very limited English, becoming her full time one to one. She researched strategies at home, bought sensory aids, and worked closely with parents and professionals to provide consistent, inclusive support. Thanks to her dedication, the child is now confident, communicating and engaging with other children, and her parents say: “She is happy and excited to go to school, something that was a challenge early last year.”
Councillor Wendy Meikle, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Stockport Council, said:
Councillor Wendy Meikle, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Stockport Council
I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to our first Stockport SEND Superstars. These awards are about recognising the everyday actions that make a real difference to children and families. They celebrate the kindness, commitment and determination that often happens quietly, without expectation of recognition.
I also want to say a sincere thank you to everyone who was nominated, and to all those working across Stockport to support children and young people with SEND. While we know there is still more to do, the stories we’ve received show just how much great work is already happening, and how strongly our SEND community cares about making Stockport a more inclusive place for every child.
All nominees and the families nominating them will be invited to a SEND Superstars celebration event at the end of the year, where families and award recipients will come together to celebrate the collective impact of SEND support across Stockport.
The winners were selected by a cross-sector awarding panel, bringing together representatives from education, health, social care, and parent and carer voice, reflecting the partnership approach at the heart of SEND support in Stockport.
Families can continue to submit nominations throughout the year, with a new SEND Superstar recognised every two months. To find out more about the Stockport SEND Superstars Award or to nominate someone who has made a difference, use our online form.
For support with SEND and inclusive events please visit our SEND Local Offer and SEND and ND events calendar.