PRIORY Education Services, which owns Chelfham Senior School in Yelverton, has been nominated for a prestigious national award acknowledging the quality of its care and education.

The group has been short-listed in the 'Special Education' category of the Laing and Buisson 'Independent Specialist Care Awards.' Laing and Buisson is the UK's foremost provider of information and market intelligence on the independent health, community care and childcare sectors.

The award recognises excellence in the provision of specialist education services. Nominees include independent schools and colleges providing education to children and young adults with learning disabilities including autistic spectrum disorders.

Priory Education Services, part of the Priory Group, currently provides education and care for more than 900 young people in a wide variety of more than 30 different services, including 52-week children's homes, day and residential schools, and FE colleges.

They are located throughout the UK. Each service has an individual identity yet all are connected through the central ethos of community involvement.

Helen Sharpe, managing director of Priory Education Services, said: 'This nomination is testament to the hard work and professionalism of the teams at all our schools and colleges. Special education is a very challenging, but ultimately rewarding, sector to work in.

'Priory Education Services, the country's single largest independent provider of special education, is committed to ensuring that each learner is at the heart of our schools and colleges.

'We ensure this through meaningful supportive relationships with each learner, and through focusing on listening, nurturing, engaging and challenging the young person to achieve the best possible outcomes.

'I am very proud that this amazing work has been acknowledged.'

Winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner, hosted by Ruby Wax, on Thursday, March 15 at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square.