AN “outstanding and inspirational” social worker from Stourbridge, who was named Children’s Social Worker of the Year, has celebrated her success at an exclusive reception in the House of Commons.

Amanda Beaufoy, who works for Worcestershire County Council, was awarded the accolade at the prestigious Social Worker of the Year Awards in November.

Judges were impressed with her dedication to the children and families that she works with and praised her for her excellent communications skills, despite being profoundly deaf.

She was invited to meet Edward Timpson, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families and Stourbridge MP Margot James at the Commons, to help officially launch this year's awards.

Amanda, who qualified as a social worker in 2010, said: “The parliamentary reception has been fantastic – it’s a really brilliant way to promote the positive work of the social work profession and let everybody know about the fantastic work that goes on day in, day out.

"I’m thrilled to have received recognition from the Ministers for the work that we do.”

Ms James added: “It was a pleasure to meet Amanda and to be able to congratulate her in person for the outstanding work that she does with children in Worcestershire.

"Amanda clearly goes above and beyond when it comes to her job and cares a great deal for the children she helps, something which was clearly evident to the judges."

She added: “Raising awareness of the important job that social workers do is the aim of the Social Worker Awards, and I certainly wish them all the best for their continued efforts to bolster recognition for social workers across the country.”

Entries for this year’s awards open on Friday May 30 and will close on Friday September 5.

There are 17 categories, including Children’s and Adult Social Worker of the Year, Student Social Worker of the Year and Mental Health Social Worker of the Year.

Entry forms can be downloaded from www.socialworkawards.com.