As the deadline for Kent Teacher of the year nominations comes ever closer the final batch of submissions must be in this week.

An ambassador of the event is urging parents, pupils and schools to submit at least one nomination while there is still time.

Rebecca Smith of Social Enterprise Kent said: “There is nothing more important than a young child being able to learn and develop and grow and good teaching is so important to that”

District and overall winners will collect their prizes at a glittering awards dinner hosted by the Mercure Great Danes Hotel, Maidstone. The event, staged in May and organised by the KM Charity Team, will honour more than 50 staff and schools.

Nominations can be placed for any primary, secondary or newly qualified teacher as well as standout volunteers, teams and non-teaching members of staff.

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team said: “You’ve got just 5 days left to vote for the unsung heroes of your school. It’s a wonderful way to say thank you for all their hard work and dedication to pupils and families in the community.”

Families can cast their votes and school staff can nominate colleagues at www.kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk until the deadline of noon March 8.

Other organisations taking an active role in the awards include University of Kent, Kent County Council, Christ Church University, CXK, Kent Sport, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Social Enterprise Kent, Project Salus, Kreston Reeves, LoopCR, Trust Careers at Medway Youth Trust, Hornby, Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, Kent Libraries, the Mercure Great Danes Maidstone and Beanstalk