Categories and nominations

Sparks Award Categories

Awards are presented in 14 different categories. This includes a Young Persons award solely from young people and is awarded to one person who these children feel has been a shining light in the lives of children.

You may nominate in a number of categories, entries are not limited.

Children’s Champion Award:

For an individual who has gone above and beyond in advocating for children’s rights and welfare.

Young People’s Award:

Awarded to one person who these children feel has been a shining light in the lives of children.

Outstanding Team Award:

Recognising a team whose collaborative work has transformed outcomes for children.

Partnership Excellence Award:

Awarded to a partnership (across agencies or sectors) that has demonstrated exceptional joint working to support children.

Lifelong Service Award:

For an individual with a long-standing, exceptional career in children’s services.

Innovation in Practice Award:

For new or creative approaches making a tangible difference for children.

Young Person’s Voice Award:

For professionals or teams who have best involved children and young people in service improvement or decision-making.

Voluntary Sector Star:

Highlighting outstanding contribution from a voluntary or community group or individual volunteer.

Health and Wellbeing Award:

For outstanding impact on children’s mental or physical health

Education Award:

For exceptional support for children in educational settings.

Safeguarding Award:

For excellence in safeguarding children from harm or risk.

Teacher of the year:

For demonstrating exceptional dedication and knowledge.

SEND Hero:

For contributing to positive outcomes for children with additional needs.

Sports Hero:

For their commitment and passion towards involving children in sport, health and fitness.

How to Nominate

Nominations are open until 14 July 2026 and can be submitted by professionals, partners, members of the public or by self-nomination.

Good nominations clearly describe impact, collaboration, innovation and the involvement of children and young people.

The judging process will look for the following

• Impact: Evidence of positive, sustained change for children or families.
• Collaboration: Effective partnership working internally and/or externally.
• Innovation: Creativity in approach, overcoming barriers, or piloting new ideas.
• Involvement of Children/Young People: Extent to which children’s voices shape service delivery or improvement.
• Sustainability: Potential for continuing or replicating the work.
• Values and Professionalism: Embodiment of core values such as compassion, integrity, respect, and inclusion. Restorative practice, families first approach.

Nominations received will be shortlisted by a judging panel (which will have children represented on the panel) and votes cast for overall winner of each category.