PUPILS, parents and school staff across the county are being encouraged to make nominations for the 2018 Essex Teaching Awards as the new academic year gets underway.

The annual awards, run by Essex County Council, recognise the outstanding contribution made by teachers and support staff in the county’s schools.

Now in their fifth year, the awards are for:

• New Teacher of the Year

• Teaching Assistant of the Year

• Primary School Teacher of the Year

• Secondary School Teacher of the Year

• Special School Teacher of the Year

• Primary/Special School Headteacher of the Year

• Secondary School Headteacher of the Year

• Governing Body of the Year

• School Team of the Year

• Lifetime Achievement Award

• Student Choice Award

Ray Gooding, the council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Teachers and school staff play a vital role in the lives of children and young people in Essex.

“These awards provide an ideal opportunity to acknowledge their commitment and hard work, and are another example of how we are supporting schools with the recruitment and retention of teachers.

“Whether you work in a school yourself or are a governor, pupil or parent, I would encourage you to think about the excellent contributions made by school staff last year and nominate anyone you feel is deserving of an award.”

Nominations close on Friday November 17, with the awards taking place in February.

Visit www.essex.gov.uk/teachingawards.