TEACHERS have a profound impact on the life chances of a child - that is why it is so important to recognise good practice.

Each year at Lancashire Telegraph Schools Awards the brightest and best teachers from across the region are recognised for their contribution in the classroom.

Nominations are still open for this year’s awards and people can get in touch about teachers who have made a real difference to their pupils, school or community.

There are 12 award categories and Blackburn with Darwen Council is this year sponsoring the Inspirational Teacher of the Year Award.

Cllr Dave Harling, cabinet member for schools and education, said there would be some ‘tough decisions’ in deciding who to honour at the event.

He said: “We really value the impact that teachers who promote excitement, imagination and a love for learning can have on the lives of children and young people.

“There are many teachers who have made a truly special contribution in the classroom to the education and lives of their pupils and their future success.

“It’s hard to over-estimate the impact a good teacher can have in encouraging and raising the aspirations of students over the course of their careers.

“We see some truly inspirational examples of teaching and everyone who is nominated should be proud of the positive contributions they make to the lives of the children.”

Entries are invited from parents, governors, teachers, support staff, pupils or anyone in the community who has knowledge of a particular school or individual.

All schools based in East Lancashire are eligible to enter.

The winners will be invited to an awards event later in the year and the last date for receiving entries is Friday, May 12.

The categories and sponsors, in brackets, are: Lifetime achievement (Burnley College), Secondary School of the Year (Empine Print Management Ltd), Secondary School Pupil of the Year (Nelson & Colne College), Secondary Head Teacher of the Year (Electricity North West), Inspirational Teacher of the Year (Blackburn Council), Unsung Hero Award (BAE), Primary Head Teacher of the Year (Alpha Digital Networks), Primary School Pupil of the Year (First Class Learning), Primary School of the Year (OLSJ), Special School of the Year (Education Printing Services Ltd), Special School Pupil of the Year (Key Stage), Volunteer of the Year (Tauheedul Education Trust).