Pupils, parents and school staff are being encouraged to make nominations for the 2018 Essex teaching awards now that the new academic year is underway.

The annual awards, which are 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 include the following categories new teacher of the year, teaching assistant of the year, headteacher of the year, governing body of the year and lifetime achievement award, among others.

Councillor Ray Gooding, Essex County 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.”

Visit www.essex.gov.uk/teachingawards.