EDUCATION does not start and finish with school, and the home environment and how involved parents are in their child’s learning are crucially important to a child’s progress.

This year’s winner of the Community Involvement Award was Shaheen Khan of Killinghall Primary School, who has been running classes for parents at the school for a number of years.

Her lessons help parents to develop their English skills, cooking skills and other skills in the home.

Mrs Khan encourages parents to take an active role in their child’s learning and improve themselves, motivating them to be more involved in their child’s learning and building self-confidence.

After being named the winner, Mrs Khan said: “I’m really proud to win this award.

“I have been at Killinghall for 20 years and I can truly say it is one of the best achievements I have had in that time.

“My children went to the school, and what I learned as a parent while they were there I want to pass on to every parent whose children go to the school.

“Parents are really powerful people, they are the ones who can make a real difference to their child’s education and make a difference to the whole family life.

“Regardless of wherever the parents have come from or whatever stage they are in their life, I truly believe parents are the ones who can make a difference.”

Following her nomination for the prize, a number of parents sung Mrs Khan’s praises for how she had helped them to improve their skills and how it has boosted their confidence and helped them to support their children’s learning.

One parent said: “Shaheen pushes you past your boundaries, she seeing something in you and believes you can do it. You can’t say no to her!”

Highly commended for this award were Sophie Brennan of Ryecroft Primary Academy, and Karen Palmer of Wycliffe CofE Primary.