Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Category sponsor: Juice Media

Tanya Byrne - Carlton Bolling School

TANYA Byrne, who works as the safeguarding officer at Carlton Bolling School, was nominated for the Support Staff Award by six different people.
Among those singing her praises was head of the school Adrian Kneeshaw, who described her as a “highly respected and valued” member of staff.
Although the school is now rated as outstanding, a few years ago it it was rated inadequate by Ofsted, partly for poor safeguarding. However in recent years the school has been transformed, partly thanks to Mrs Byrne. 
Mr Kneeshaw said: “She works under often very challenging circumstances and long hours, without ever complaining or talking about what she does or her achievements.
“Despite her reluctance to be recognised and the unseen nature of her work, she is highly respected and valued by the staff at Carlton Bolling. For the last four years we have had an annual Staff of the Year competition, which is voted for by all school staff. Tanya has won this competition once, and been in the top three on all occasions. I can also add that in five years as head teacher at the school, I have never once received a complaint about her, despite the difficult nature of her work, or heard anything but huge praise from the staff who work with her.”

Janet Thomas - Canterbury Nursery

JANET Thomas was nominated for this category for her incredible 42-year stint at Canterbury Nursery School.
She started working at the nursery the week of her 18th birthday, and since then she has seen many of the children she helped nurture return to bring their own children to the school.
She was nominated by her colleague Antonia Addison, who described her as a “one of a kind” adding: “Janet has been a loyal staff member here at Canterbury for an astounding 42 years.
“Janet has a huge range of skills and expertise in providing excellent care and education to the youngest and at times the most vulnerable children in the Canterbury area. 
“She is committed to helping children reach their full learning potential and over the years has amassed a huge range of experience, enabling her to be an outstanding early years’ practitioner. 
“She is someone other staff look up to as an inspiring role model and it is in her direction we point new staff and students towards. 
“Many parents and grandparents who return to us will always ask if she is still here, and when they see her they are immediately at ease. They know that their children will be in the best hands with Janet.”

Trish Willis - Southfield School

TRISH Willis, who works with some of the most vulnerable pupils at Southfield Special School, was nominated in this category by her colleagues at the school.
She has been a communication tutor at the school (previously Bolling Special School) for 17 years and works with students with profound multiple learning difficulties who have no speech, very little other communication, and complex health needs requiring the highest level of support. 
Colleague David Jowle said: “Trish is an outstanding, committed colleague who is highly productive and committed to her profession with a student-first approach to work. Throughout her career, Trish has been able to interact with the students and give them a joyous learning experience every minute she works with them. 
“She is a ray of sunshine who shows such patience and care, both for the students and her colleagues. Her attitude and professionalism has such a positive effect on her colleagues, many of whom she has been a mentor and friend to.”
Jacqui Hill, head of Southfield School, said: “Trish is retiring in July and I wanted to nominate her to give some recognition of the impact she has had on the lives of so many young people with SEND over her long career.”