Spalding shop Gibbs helps to start schooling off on the right foot as it sponsors Education Awards

Starting youngsters’ education off on the right foot is something which we can all get behind.

Gibbs of Spalding, a longstanding business in the town, has a pivotal role in getting young people up on their feet ready for starting “big school”.

With that in mind, the business is sponsoring the Primary School of the Year at this year’s Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian Education Awards.

This award celebrates those schools whose dedication, innovation and hard work are making a real difference for their pupils and their communities.

Kate Robb, director of Gibb Shoes, said: “We have been selling children’s fitted school shoes in our business for more than 110 years in Spalding.

“We always love to hear the children talk about their time at school and all the wonderful activities that they get involved with during a school year.”

Last year, Spalding’s Wygate Park took the accolade, having been nominated for its work in delivering the very best home-learning experience during lockdown.

Long Sutton Primary School was runner-up for the award. It was nominated for its constant support through lockdown by organising a community larder food bank and providing weekly printed learning packs and ongoing pastoral care.

Fellow runner-up St Thomas C of E School made 91 home visits during lockdown and 1,285 one-to-one video sessions.

This is something which Kate understands all about, having completed a postgraduate certificate in education after completing her degree.

Kate said: “I did a PGCE after my degree and although I did not go into teaching I understand the work behind the scenes that goes into every school day.

“During the pandemic children have clearly missed out on time at school. This highlighted the wonderful work done by the junior schools in the area and how important the local junior schools are to our town.

“We are excited to learn more about the individual schools.

“I also hope it will enable our team at Gibbs to engage with and understand our young customers as we begin to prepare for our stock rooms for selling, back to school shoes during August 2022.”

Other categories at the ceremony, which will be taking place at Springfields Events and Conference Centre on Thursday, July 7 include inspirational teacher, outstanding sporting achievement and contribution to the community.

There will also be accolades for environmental champions plus top secondary and pre-schools.

If you would like to nominate a worthy candidate for any of the awards, you can do so now. Don’t wait, log on to www.spaldingeducationawards.co.uk to vote.