A secondary school in Barnsley has held a special event to celebrate its support staff as part of UNSON’s Stars in Our Schools campaign.
Outwood Academy Carlton held a ceremony yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, during which a number of nominated support staff were presented with gifts of appreciation.
The support staff were nominated in various different categories by colleagues, including Good Samaritan award, Multitasker award and Playground award.
The support staff recognised in the ceremony included:
Rachel Smith (Stand Out Award – for constantly giving your best at work, reflecting the dedication shown towards work)
Andrea Gregory (Good Samaritan Award – for bringing happiness to stressful situations, and always supporting colleagues)
Simon Christie (Tech Award – for being an expert, always knowing what’s wrong and being ready to help)
Marie Shaw (Purple Award – for always putting students first)
Michele Collins (Multitasker Award – for being the person who can do three jobs at once and still keep calm!)
Keelan Loveday (People Whisperer Award – for always knowing the right words to say, with a real ability to calm a conflict)
Caroline Bassett (Coach Award – for always being there when colleagues need a pep talk, and getting them back in the game)
Jade Gisby (Playground Award – for always making work a fun place to be)
Sharon Stevens (Team Player Award – for always displaying extraordinary integrity and generosity towards colleagues)
Jackie Trewartha (Engagement Champion – for being the member of staff who is most proactive, and a positive role model to others)
A Superhero Award was also awarded to the member of staff who received the most Support Staff Stars nominations – which was won by Jackie Trewartha.
Outwood Academy Carlton principal Paul Taylor said: “Seeing the faces of the support staff today has been priceless.
“The great work teachers do wouldn’t be possible without support staff, and today’s been the pinnacle of acknowledging the amazing work they do.
“It’s been joyous. Every single member of teaching staff stayed behind to help celebrate the support staff. It was lovely.”
Superhero award winner and specialist maths teaching assistant Jackie Trewartha said: “It’s been a fantastic event.
“It’s lovely to feel appreciated. You know you do a good job, but when somebody else tells you, it keeps you motivated.
“You don’t work in a school if you’re not here for the students, it wouldn’t work. You give everything, heart and soul – it’s a really special feeling to be recognised by colleagues.”
Award winner and year 11 learning manager Marie Shaw said: “I feel very emotional! There are a lot of unsung heroes in the school, some who weren’t even recognised together, but everyone here works as one team.
“I feel very appreciated – staff make you feel appreciated on a daily basis, but it’s really nice to be recognised in a special event.”
UNISON Barnsley branch secretary Ben Harvey-Wade said: “Support staff do vital work to keep schools running, and I’m delighted we’ve been able to recognise some of that hard work here in Barnsley.
“It’s great for UNISON to shine a light on these hard-working members of staff who often go under the radar.
“Hopefully this event has shown the school support staff how valued they are.”
The celebratory event comes just a few weeks after findings of a survey completed by support staff were published, highlighting how many are using their own money to pay for pupils’ food and clothing, despite struggling with the cost-of-living crisis themselves.
