Nicola Stanway – Inspiration in Education nominee
Nicola Stanway – Inspiration in Education nominee
Nicola Stanway leads Caudwell Children’s Shaping Futures Programme, set up to empower neurodivergent young people aged 16 to 25 to unlock their potential and take their next steps in life with confidence and purpose.
Nicola has built the programme from the ground up, transforming it from an idea into a movement of change that is already delivering results.
Over the past 12 months she has been working with learners and training organisations to ensure the participants are fully supported to get the most out of placements. The programme is currently working with 68 young people.
Nicola has also set up a Friday drop-in session to offer help and support with life skills which usually attracts around 30 young people each week.
She has been nominated in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards by Emma Rosillo of Staffordshire Council of Voluntary Youth Services.
Emma said: “Nicola’s dedication provides a vital lifeline for young people with special educational needs and disabilities who are at risk of falling into the NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) category. Under her exceptional leadership, the Shaping Futures course acts as a crucial bridge, guiding vulnerable young adults toward meaningful employment, further education and lasting independence.
“She is more than a program manager; she is an advocate, a mentor and a champion for young SEND individuals. Her work transforms anxiety into ambition, providing young people with the tools, confidence and experience they need to build bright, self-sufficient futures. For her unwavering commitment to social inclusion and youth employment, Nicola deserves the highest recognition.
“Nicola understands that career readiness begins with personal independence. She has developed and delivered a comprehensive curriculum that teaches essential life skills, including financial literacy, budgeting, travel knowledge and the opportunity to foster social connection.
“What truly sets Nicola’s work apart is her ability to connect the classroom with the commercial sector. She has proactively partnered with major regional and national organizations to create real-world work scenarios. Key partnerships include Paragon and Martec, offering professional corporate insights, and the Francesco Group and Bod, providing hands-on retail and hospitality experience.
“Nicola ensures that participants do not just practice in theory. They gain vital, real-life experience on the shop floor and in the office. These opportunities break down barriers, challenge stereotypes around disability in the workplace and open doors to genuine employment opportunities.”
Through engaging and interactive employability and life skills sessions the programme provides practical tools and techniques designed to boost confidence, opening doors to a brighter future, ensuring every young person is ready to step forward with self-assurance and success.
The programme is shaped around the young people themselves, listening to their voices, understanding their challenges, maximising their opportunities and celebrating their individuality along with making social connections.
Nicola said: “I’m just absolutely overwhelmed to have been nominated for a Your Heroes Award. It’s so kind of Emma.
“I don’t see what I do as a job. I see myself as an advocate, a voice for these young people. We work with really disadvantaged and misunderstood young people. It’s an honour tpo be able to represent them.”