AN INSPIRING and compassionate seven year old has been praised for his kindness after setting up a foodbank collection at his Bracknell school.

Year 2 pupil James, at Binfield CE Primary School, has been given an 'outstanding pupil award' for his efforts in support those in need around him.

The youngster has organised regular foodbank collections at his school after learning that foodbank sometime struggle to receive enough food to hand out. His regular foodbank collections have not only helped provide essential supplies to the local foodbank efforts, but have inspired the whole school to get behind the project.

As a result, James was surprised with an 'outstanding pupil award' at the national Kindness Awards, presented by the School of Kindness.

The School of Kindness is a project organised by the 52 Lives kindness charity which hosts the awards to highlight the inspiring efforts of individuals, schools, classes and groups across the UK. The awards celebrate and encourage kindness in primary school communities.

Headteacher at Binfield CE Primary School Suzie Featherstone-Wright said: “We are absolutely delighted that James has been recognised for this wonderful award.

"He is only seven years old, but he recognised that others needed his help and decided to take action – he has managed to get his whole school community behind him.”

(Image: Binfield CE School) James, 7, with his award 

James was selected for the award by a panel of judges that included Anna Bassi (Editorial Director of The Week Junior), Stacie Swift (author and illustrator), the Carless family (Pride of Britain Community Hero Award winners), and Kumbi Kariwo (NHS Equality and Inclusion (Project Lead).

The schoolboy was surprised with the award during a special assembly held at the school in Benetfeld Road. He was presented with the award by Jaime Thurston (CEO of 52 Lives) and Greig Trout (Director of Kindness, 52 Lives).

52 Lives and the School of Kindness founder Jaime Thurston said: "Working with children every day, we are lucky enough to see first-hand how much kindness is happening in primary schools all over the country, and these awards are a chance to shine a light on that and celebrate the amazing people who are making this world better.

"Encouraging a culture of kindness in schools is so important for children’s wellbeing. It helps to build strong, supportive communities and empowers children by helping them realize that
the little choices they make every day matter—and that they have the power to create the kind of world they want to live in."

The Outstanding Pupil Award is sponsored by The Week Junior magazine.