Should you apply for Awards? We think so!

The team at Glove Consulting have seen an increase in the number of education providers who want to enter awards.  We think entering relevant awards is time well spent and there are lots of benefits, but knowing which award to apply for is essential.   

To start with, you need to consider the awards and the categories.  Are you able to demonstrate you meet the criteria?  Are you strong in that area?  Would winning an award be beneficial?  Does it fit with your strategic aims and your communication plan?  Do you have the time to write the entry to a high standard? Do you know what the judges are looking for?  Before all of the above, do you even know what awards are available?

There are many different awards that education providers can apply for and in many categories.  These include overall provider, innovation in the curriculum, health and wellbeing, inclusion, outstanding teams, environmental concern and community cohesion.

The Benefits

There are lots of benefits to applying for, and hopefully winning awards. 

Awareness and PR

Just like an Outstanding Ofsted Report, awards provide you with an endorsement for the work you are doing.

If you have an outstanding nursery, then gaining an award would help confirm your quality.  It would enable you to inform parents that their child is attending an award-winning provider, and telling prospective parents could increase numbers applying and converting.  Receiving an award acknowledges your excellence in a category, providing a distinct competitive advantage.

You can use the award logo on your website and promotional materials, gain press coverage and use in your marketing communications.

Opportunity to Reflect

The application process for entering awards represents a great opportunity to review and reflect on the work you do. The process of completing an award entry will not only allow you to identify your successes but also can show some areas required for improvement or further development.

Internal Celebration

Staff work hard and take pride in the work that they do and winning an award provides everyone with a great sense of achievement.  It can contribute to staff development and supports staff in their personal development and progression.  Taking your team to the awards ceremony is a great way of celebrating your achievements as a team and also provides good networking opportunities.

So where do you start? 

First all of find out about the awards that exist, what categories they have, how you enter, how much they cost and the deadline dates.  Decide on the award/s that you think fit your strengths and would be beneficial to you.  When you have done this, then it is time to start writing.  Start in plenty of time as high-quality applications are time-consuming and can require a lot of data gathering.  Do not reply on deadlines being extended, even if they are, they usually then attract a late entry fee.

We can help

Glove Consulting can talk you through the awards that might be suitable for you.  We can write the application for you with your support.  We are also rather successful, as our team has written many award-winning entries, so we know what the judges are looking for. 

Good luck, give it a go and get the recognition that you deserve.