A TEACHING assistant has said she is "completely stunned and honoured" to have been nominated for a Worcestershire Education Award.

Deborah Ratcliff, a teaching assistant at Nunnery Wood Primary School, has been nominated for the support staff of the year award.

The 42-year-old was nominated for the award by Rachel Smith who said: "This lady is super human, always finding the time to support the children and families required.

"Deb is a super human being and always puts the children's education and well being before anything else. This lady has been a rock to my family during my children's time at school."

Deborah has also been supporting children through bringing in her dog Gunner, who is a therapy dog.

Deborah said: "I have been doing this job 10 years, it is very rewarding.

"I starting bringing in Gunner, the children love it. They read to him, it boosts their confidence.

"He won an award as best therapy dog, so we both could be award winners."

The awards, run by our Worcestershire titles including the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette and Evesham Journal, aim to shine a light on those in education who have worked tirelessly to support, teach and care for our young people through what has been an incredibly difficult time.

There are 12 categories in our Worcestershire Education Awards 2022. They are:

  • Lockdown Hero award
  • Headteacher of the Year
  • Teacher / Lecturer of the Year
  • New Teacher of the Year
  • Support Staff of the Year
  • Early Years Education/Primary School of the Year
  • Middle/Secondary School of the Year
  • Independent School of the Year
  • Special Educational Needs Award
  • College or Post-18 Education & Training Provider of the Year Award
  • Star Student (under 16) of the Year
  • Star Student (over 16) of the Year

Voting closes on Friday, December 17, and our panel of judges will choose the finalists, who will be featured in our titles.

Regional editor Stephanie Preece said: “It’s been an incredibly tough time for all of those involved in education as our community battled a pandemic subsequent lockdown, and was forced to adapt our very way of life.

“That’s why we have once again teamed up with the University of Worcester to launch the fourth Worcestershire Education Awards scheme and shine a spotlight on those who continue to make a difference.

“It’s time to reward those members of the teaching and education sector for their hard work both in the classroom and behind the scenes.”

The winners will be announced during a virtual ceremony in early 2022.

  • Nominations are open - just click here
  • If your business or organisation is interested in sponsoring one of the awards contact dale.godliman@newsquest.co.uk