Celebration at Eden Project Recognises Cornwall’s Children in Care

Parkour, pets and personalised praise for Cornwall's children in care

A fun-packed celebration brought smiles, science and schnauzers to the Eden Project last Sunday (20th July), as around 200 people gathered to recognise the achievements of Cornwall's children in care.

Organised by Awena Virtual School with support from the charity Carefree, the event gave children and young people in care a chance to explore their creativity, connect with others and simply enjoy being themselves.

A Day to Remember

The children were joined by foster carers, friends and supporters for a day that included everything from trying out parkour to cuddling up with therapy dogs.

Among the highlights were a visit from Pets as Therapy, who brought along Aggie the miniature schnauzer and Mary, a three-legged greyhound. Science-based fun came courtesy of PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications, while Cornwall's Library Service set up a quiet book corner complete with goodie bags.

Urban Playground Group dazzled the audience with a performance of 'The Kids Who Couldn't Sit Still', after giving the children a chance to try out some moves of their own.

There were glitter tattoos, tabletop games like cup-stacking races, and personalised certificates for every child, courtesy of Cornwall Council's Business Support team. Each certificate included words of encouragement to celebrate their talents and achievements.

Supporting More Than Schoolwork

Awena Virtual School is part of Cornwall Council's Together for Families directorate, supporting the education of children in care and those who have, or have had, a social worker. The virtual school keeps track of their academic progress and provides support where needed, in addition to helping young people grow in confidence and self-belief.

Chloe Phillips, Deputy Headteacher at Awena, said:

"It was fantastic to see all the children and young people enjoying all the fun and creative activities at Eden on Sunday.

"Awena supports children in care academically but also recognises the importance of children celebrating who they are as people, for example the kindness they show to others, their sense of humour and ambitions for the future. Sharing activities and lunch together helped to create special memories for everyone who was there."

"What We Can All Achieve Together"

Councillor Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools, also attended the event and praised everyone involved:

"It's impossible not to be inspired by the spirit, talent and energy of the children and young people, and by the support of the foster carers.

"My thanks to the teams at Carefree and Awena, not just for making the day such a success, but for the vital work they do all year round to help the children and young people thrive.

"The event really showed what we can all achieve together."

Graeme Plunkett, head of school effectiveness, also took the opportunity to highlight the wide-ranging interests and achievements of the children who attended.

For more information about Awena Virtual School, visit:
👉 cornwall.gov.uk/awena-cornwall-virtual-school

📷Aggie the miniature schnauzer from Pets as Therapy and Urban Playground Group performing 'The Kids Who Couldn't Sit Still'.