Sponsored by Exceed Training Academy, the Support Staff Member of the Year Award is to recognise the work of staff in non-teaching roles

Lynne Dobson, Peel Park Priamry

LYNNE Dobson has worked in Bradford schools for 42 years, and is currently involved in teaching art at Peel Park Primary.
In this time she has been a volunteer, parent governor and teaching assistant. She was nominated for the award by head Lloyd Mason Edwards, who said: “During her time in schools she has taught art and design to over 10,000 children. Lynne has played a key role in making sure art has always been as high a profile in the curriculum as any other subject. She firmly believes that all children have a strength and by offering them different but quality experiences, they as children and we as adults, can discover these once hidden talents. 
“Lynne’s work has meant that the children of Peel Park have been recognised time and time again for their superb art and design work.  They have won nearly every national and local art competition there is to win, sometimes several times over. Their pictures have adorned calendars, buildings and books.”
As well as teaching children, she runs art classes for staff.
She said she “burst into tears” when she found out she had been nominated, adding: “Childhood is so short, I just want the children to enjoy coming to school, and for them to go home with a smile on their face.”

Nicola Dudley, Killinghall Primary

NICOLA Dudley was nominated for Support Staff member of the Year for her role as librarian at Killinghall Primary School.
Head teacher Gill Edge nominated Mrs Dudley for the award, saying: “Nicola has developed a fantastic new library for our children over the last year. Nicola works tirelessly to ensure that systems are updated and that children are developing reading skills to a high level.
“She is passionate about our children achieving every possible success in reading. “Nicola has been instrumental in our school charity which is sponsoring guide dogs for the blind. She has raised significant amounts of money for their cause over the last seven years.
“Nicola is an all-round inspirational support worker at Killinghall.”
Mrs Dudley said: “The important thing is keeping the children challenged all the time, making sure you always have the right material for them.
“That is what makes the job worthwhile – we have absolutely brilliant children here, there are so many funny characters. I love my job.
“I really couldn’t believe it when I was told I was nominated. We all work together as a team and I’m sure everyone on the team deserves this nomination as much as I do.”

Simone Hinchliffe, St Anthony's Catholic Primary

SIMONE Hinchliffe, a learning mentor at St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School in Shipley, was nominated in this category by a parent.
Mikey Jones said: “She will help anyone with anything, always thinking how to help others.
“She has helped me and my children in every way possible trying to improve school life.
“I am nominating her as she has such an understanding and patience with children. My sons see her as a friend and easy to talk to.
“You will see Mrs Hinchliffe always running round school doing things for all the children at St Anthony’s, she really is the most kindest caring person.
“Mrs Hinchliffe has really made a difference to my children’s school life and is the person my older children still talk about now they have left primary school.”
Mrs Hinchliffe said: “I love meeting the children, getting to know the children and seeing them progress from wherever they are at to happier, more settled children.
“I like working with the parents and families too.
“Every day someone wants to have a chat about their children and how they are doing.
“I love learning what makes the children tick.”