One of the UK’s best known authors has helped us celebrate our 13th birthday and the writing talents of our students at a very special event.
Anne Fine, a former Children’s Laureate and author of much-loved books including Madame Doubtfire, Goggle-Eyes and The Diary of a Killer Cat, was guest of honour at the Kedleston Group Short Story Competition presentation day.
Part of our year-long 13th birthday celebrations, the day was a chance to shine the spotlight on the writing talents of its students from across the UK. The work of more than 20 young people was shortlisted.
Kedleston Group operates 12 specialist schools and children’s homes across England – all of which support children and young people with social, emotional and mental health difficulties or those who have an autism spectrum condition – and we are set to open its 13th in Bury in Spring 2020.
Anne was part of the judging team who considered the competition’s short--listed entries. As well as a hugely enjoyable question and answer session with the children whose work was shortlisted, she also signed books, presented prizes to both the winners and to each short-listed writer and read the winning entries. Each shortlisted writer also received a medal and voucher.
Director of Quality Dr Lynda Mitchell said: “Each year we hold a national competition and encourage all of our young people to take part. These competitions always seek to encourage them to develop their skills – whether in art or baking or writing – and to try something new or which may be a challenge.
“For our 13th birthday we wanted to set one of our toughest challenges yet and for the short story competition we wanted to encourage our young people to do an extended piece of writing as this can often be a real challenge for the children we support. Each piece has to be between 500 and 750 words long and can be from any genre.
“We were absolutely thrilled to have Anne be part of our wonderful competition. It was a real honour to have such a celebrated author, and one whose work so many of our young people enjoy reading, to join us for our judging and awards day.”
Congratulations to all those shortlisted and the winners on the day!