A ROYTON teaching assistant has earned top marks in a UK wide education awards initiative.
Gail Stott, who works at Blackshaw Lane Primary School, has been crowned National Teaching Assistant of the Year, taking the title from nearly 600 other hopefuls.
But recognition in the Community Education Awards (CEA) came out of the blue for delighted Gail.
“Gail didn’t even know we had nominated her,” said teacher Rachael Pearce.
“So, she was really shocked when she found out she had won.
“But it is a well-deserved award. We nominated her because of her hard work, effort and dedication.
“We also spoke to the children and they said how kind and supportive she is and how she goes out of her way to help.”
The CEA help recognise the valuable work undertaken in schools across the UK, especially those dealing with a range of vitally important social issues.
The awards, open to primary and secondary schools, are an annual celebration of schools’ efforts to help children and young people become positive community members.
They are designed to highlight and reward the most effective projects being delivered in schools and within their local community.
• Blackshaw Lane recently held a successful Parent Teachers’ Association summer fair attended by the Correspondent.
The afternoon’s activities, both inside and outside the school, raised a total of £1,885.78 which will be used towards refurbishment of the playground.