JANET Thomas, who has worked at Canterbury Nursery for 42 years, was rewarded for her dedication with the Supporting Staff Member of the Year Award.

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.

Picking up her award, she said: “Every day is a challenge but it’s worth it.

“This is for Team Canterbury!”

Afterwards she told the T&A: “This is wonderful.

“The nursery has a very strong team that works very closely together.

“I think I’ve stuck with it for so long because I want to make a different to children’s lives.

“The school is in an area of high deprivation, so it is very rewarding when you see the impact you have made on these children’s lives.”

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.”

Honorary mentions:

Tanya Byrne - Carlton Bolling College

Trish Willis - Southfield School