A SPECIAL educational needs co-ordinator has been nominated for an award after being praised for her 'unwavering dedication' but she says it is all a team effort to help children.
Sarah Burnell, who has worked at Nunnery Wood High School in Spetchley Road, Worcester, has been nominated in the Special Education Needs (SENCO) category for the Worcestershire Education Awards 2024.
Mrs Burnell has worked at Nunnery Wood High School since September 1992 and became special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) six years ago.
Mrs Burnell said: "It is absolutely a team effort. All the SEND team staff do an amazing job at supporting our pupils. I couldn't do my job without them. They are a fantastic team!"
One of the people to nominate Mrs Burnell for the award described her as a 'conscientious and phenomenal SENCo'.
She added: "She works with SEN students at school collaboratively with the guardians/parents/carers and also her fellow colleagues at the school base to make outstanding differences to SEN students in education.
"Sarah puts the time and effort and has patience and understands each student needs to have the right support to be in place."
MORE INFORMATION: learn more about the Worcestershire Education Awards
Another person to nominate Mrs Burnell wrote: "Sarah Burnell has been an invaluable asset to our school community, and her impact on the lives of students, including my own two children, has been nothing short of transformative. Her commitment to ensuring an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students is truly commendable."
Mrs Burnell was praised for the way she faces the 'complex challenges of ADHD, ASD, SPD, and Tourette's syndrome'.
The awards shine a spotlight on those who continue to make a difference in the field of education.
Culminating in a glitzy black-tie dinner, the awards seek to reward those members of the teaching and education sector for their hard work both in the classroom and behind the scenes.
The awards are organised by Newsquest - publishers of the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette, Evesham Journal, Bromsgrove & Droitwich Advertiser, Redditch Advertiser and Kidderminster Shuttle.
Editor Stephanie Preece said: “We know from our previous awards how much of a difference, many teachers make to the lives of our young people.
“We are excited to be launching the Worcestershire Education Awards 2024 across all of our local titles and websites and can’t wait to read the nominations.
“Over the next few months we will be sharing those stories with you in the hope of celebrating the wonderful work that is achieved in the field of education.”
This prestigious scheme recognises the achievements, passion and dedication of those involved in all kinds of education – from nurseries to primary and secondary schools as well as colleges and training schemes.
The 12 categories are:
Early Years Education Award
Primary School of the Year
Secondary School of the Year
Independant School of the Year
Community Involvement Award
Special Education Needs (SENCO) Award
Headteacher/Principal of the Year
Teacher/Lecturer of the Year
New Teacher of the Year
STEM project of the Year
Support Staff of the Year
Unsung Hero Award
This year entries will be judged by a panel of independent judges before the winners are announced at a black tie event in April - at a venue to be confirmed.
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