HEADLANDS School Head Teacher/, Matt Burns, has received national recognition for his work at the special school in Penarth during a national award ceremony.

Mr Burns was presented with the Outstanding Staff award at Action for Children’s Stephenson Awards, held at Glaziers Hall in Southwark.

He said: “I’m thrilled to have received a Stephenson award .

“It was an honour to go up to London and meet colleagues from across the UK who are doing such great work for children and young people.”

“I love working at Headlands School with brilliant staff and pupils every day.

“The award celebrates the work we all do here and it’s an honour to lead such a passionate and dedicated team.

“To be recognised by the charity in this way means so much to me and is a great milestone in our 100-year history.”

Headlands School is an independent special school that offers day and residential placements for boys and girls aged 7 to 19 who have learning difficulties.

The school is managed by the national charity Action for Children.

Earlier this year the school introduced a companion puppy, a six-month old King Charles Spaniel called Dexter, to one of its residential homes an an aid to student’s wellbeing.

Action for Children’s national director for Wales, Brigitte Gater, said: “This award is richly deserved and being recognised nationally for your work is a great achievement.

“Matt leads a truly inspirational school where staff and pupils come together to foster an environment that allows every pupil to flourish.

“We’re very proud of Headlands School and I congratulate Matt for this prestigious award and all the staff and pupils for the great work they do every day.”

For more information on Headlands School, including admissions, visit: www.headlandsschool.org.uk/

To find out more about Action for Children and to donate, visit: www.actionforchildren.org.uk