SHORTLIST: Supporting Staff Member of the Year

PAUL PLANT - HAWORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL

Paul works at Haworth Primary School, and it was said in his nominations: "Looking back, after a long career, I can name few people who deserve recognition more than Paul Plant. Although not a teacher, he has unreservedly given his time, energy and enthusiasm to benefit the children of our school.

"He is a champion. From early morning to late evening, he works for the good of the school community. He looks after us all. To demonstrate his commitment, here are some of the ways he helps.

"Paul rarely enters a lesson, (except to judge fancy dress competitions, art work or deliver a heavy parcel) but he is an indispensable volunteer on all my trips: without his humour, support and help to invent new outdoor challenges for our two-day camp the trip would not happen."

Another nomination reads: "Words cannot sum up the contribution Mr Plant makes to our school. He has brought so much fun, energy and enthusiasm to Haworth Primary, he is our champion. He is unique, a real gem, who embodies the spirit of our school. He's our friend, but very soon he will retire."

NIGEL BRIDGE AND KATH FITZGERALD - BINGLEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL

This joint nomination comes from Bingley Grammar School, who say: "We would like to nominate our fantastic Toilet attendants Nigel Bridge and Kath Fitzgerald. Their work goes way and above their duties and they have both independently taken on pastoral responsibilities over the years. All students and staff hold both Kath and Nigel in extremely high regard.

"Nigel does outstanding work in building relationships with students and ensuring they have a clean and safe facility to use in school. To create a talking point and give the toilet area a warm friendly feel, Nigel creates wall displays involving Curricular and Non-curricular topics. Last year he created a fantastic world cup display which has now become a football news wall.

"Nigel has built a very good and trusted relationship with the students. His outstanding displays act as talking points. The 'World War Memorial' display was also very touching and imaginative. These are things that Nigel will do in his own time over and above his own duties.

"Kath Fitzgerald began working at Bingley Grammar in 2004 I nominate Kath Fitzgerald due to her commitment to her role at Bingley Grammar School and her consistently positive energy and focus despite recently suffering a bereavement and being of retirement age.

"She keeps the washrooms impeccably clean and also creates displays to liven up the toilet area. The toilets would not look out of place in a hotel. She has a very good relationship with the students and is also trusted and confided in."

SUE BARRACLOUGH AND DARREN RILEY - IMMANUEL COLLEGE

Sue and Darren work as mentors at Immanuel College playing a vital role in the pastoral care team providing support and care for those students in need of some additional guidance.

Their nomination reads: "Since joining Immanuel College in 2000 and 2004 respectively, both Sue and Darren have become key figures in the pastoral care and support of students. These two inspirational colleagues work tirelessly with lots of students across the school helping them to achieve targets, and make the most of all opportunities available to them. Both thorough and meticulous in their approach to work, they can be relied on for any information needed in any matter or situation.

"Both Sue and Darren go far above and beyond their roles as mentors within school and are both very generous with their time and energy. Darren has worked closely with Brunel Housing to engage our students in extracurricular activities involving adults in the local community who have learning needs. Sue has run a wide variety of clubs within school such as Reading Matters and Better Reading supporting individuals in other areas, not just in a mentoring capacity.

"They are, in short, one of the main reasons why Immanuel College is valued so highly in its approach to pastoral care of our students."

Aspire-i is committed to changing lives for the better through learning and work. 

For over 20 years we have successfully helped individuals, organisations and communities to achieve their ambitions. 

How? By providing training, careers guidance, partnership development and the motivation and support to succeed whenever and however they need it.

Locally based with a Head Office in Bradford and further offices in York and Leeds, Aspire-i provide services throughout the Leeds City Region. Working with partners in the Education, Private and Public Sectors Aspire-i contribute to the success of our region.

Experts in career education, information, advice and guidance and a dedicated training provider we support people of all ages to change their lives for the better.

The Aspire2work programme, delivered in 13 community locations, helps young people move into jobs and further learning in vocational areas, from hairdressing to animal care. 

Interested young people can find more through Aspire-i's website and Facebook page or by calling (01274) 829400. 

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