Centre of Excellence Awards

We recognise creativity, commitment and innovation within the Story Massage Programme with our annual Centre of Excellence Awards. This prestigious awards was first introduced in 2016 and we now have 25 Centres of Excellence. The award is presented annually to schools and organisations showing outstanding best practice in using the Story Massage Programme to enrich the lives of others. Please apply by 1st December 2024 to be considered for one of our next group of winners. The awards are open to schools, organisations and charities working with children and adults of all ages and abilities.

Winners of the prestigious award will receive a special logo and certificate to display with pride. Before applying please check that your organisation fulfils the following criteria:

• The programme has been used for one year or more.
• Two members of staff/volunteers are trained in the Story Massage Programme in schools/organisations with up to 40 learners/residents/beneficiaries.
• Three members of staff/volunteers are trained in the Story Massage Programme schools/organisations with up to 80 learners/residents/beneficiaries.
• Four members of staff/volunteers are trained in the Story Massage Programme in schools/organisations with over 80 learners/residents/beneficiaries
• Representatives have provided regular feedback on how it is being used with evidence of creating new massage stories.

No cost is involved, we just need your enthusiasm and commitment to sharing the benefits of the programme with the children and adults in your care. To apply please email: bestpractice@storymassage.co.uk

Please address any queries about the awards to bestpractice@storymassage.co.uk and your query will be answered, but it may not be immediately.

Our winners are:

Special Schools

• Ysgol Y Deri, Penarth
• Westfield School, Leominster
• Access School, Shrewsbury
• Ty Gwyn Special School, Cardiff
• Tor Bank School, Northern Ireland
• Cherry Garden School, London
• Springside School, Bury
• Two Rivers Primary School, Tamworth, Staffs
• Beatlie School Campus, West Lothian
• Darnley Primary School, Glasgow
• Fairfield School, West Yorkshire
• Evergreen Primary School, Bishop Aukland
• Rutherford School, Croydon
• St Giles School, Surrey

Mainstream Schools

• Early Focus and St James School, Dubin
• Thorntree School, Glasgow
• Abigail’s Place, Worcester
• St Martin’s, Glasgow

Nurseries

• Shotts Family Learning Centre, North Lanarkshire

Adults SEN

• Staffordshire Complex Needs Service, Stafford

Colleges

• Hertford Regional College Department of Inclusive Learning, Hertford
• Woolston 6th Form College, Warrington

Fostering Services

• Pyramid Care Fostering, Worcester

Hospices

• Christopher’s Children’s Hospice, Surrey

Overseas

• Cocoro Charity, Japan