A Lancashire County Council scheme designed to help young people with experience of the care system into work has received national recognition.

The authority’s Virtual School Employment and Support Team beat off competition from more than 400 entries nationwide to scoop three categories at the Children and Young People Now Awards 2025.

The 12-strong group provides careers advice and employment support for care leavers aged 16–25. Their work includes school visits and providing ‘options’ advice from Key Stage 3 onwards.

They also offer termly careers guidance for Year 10 and 11 pupils and tailored support for the over-16s in education, training, and employment.

The team won:

Children in Care Award – recognising exceptional teamwork and improved outcomes for looked-after children.;
Advice and Guidance Award – for outstanding careers and progression support;
Public Sector Children’s Team Award – celebrating best practice and impact in improving outcomes for children and families.

Charlotte Iddon, Employment and Support Team Manager at Lancashire County Council, said:

“We are a team based across Lancashire, doing aspirational work in schools and talking to young people early to raise their goals and aspirations for the future.

“We’ve seen incredible success stories – for example young people who left school with no qualifications, but with small steps into education and employment now are studying degrees at university, and others who started as apprentices and are now in permanent roles.”

“Over the last eight years we have supported hundreds of young people by giving them support and getting them into employment, volunteering or training. We’ve helped them move forward and build positive futures. I’m delighted that our hard work and dedication have been recognised nationally.”

The service currently supports 300 people through its work.

County Coun Matthew Salter, cabinet member for children and families, added:

"This recognition shows Lancashire is leading the way in supporting our most vulnerable children.

"The Employment and Support Team's passion and dedication change lives every day - and I couldn’t be happier to see their hard work celebrated on a national stage."