A member of staff at a primary school in Bradford has been shortlisted for a national honour recognising excellence in educational support roles.
Michelle O’Brien, who has spent five years working at Blakehill Primary School in Idle, has been put forward for a Teaching Assistant Award prior to the annual celebration of school support staff.
Speaking about the nomination, she expressed that the award winner would be revealed on National Teaching Assistant Day itself.
She described her role as a teaching assistant at the school and stated that assisting children remained something she thoroughly enjoyed.
She emphasised the importance of developing strong connections with the young people she supports.
She indicated that effective listening skills, ensuring children feel acknowledged and valued, and maintaining a positive and cheerful presence throughout the school day could significantly impact a pupil’s experience.
Beyond her responsibilities in the classroom, O’Brien also established and manages the school’s uniform exchange programme.
She explained that the initiative operates entirely through donations and enables families to obtain high-quality second-hand school clothing at no cost whenever required throughout the academic year.
She handles all organisation and operation independently, noting that it had become a valuable service for the school community.
As a parent of two pupils enrolled at the institution, O’Brien stated her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for both families and students.
She expressed hope that her nomination would draw attention to the essential contributions made by teaching assistants across the profession.
She indicated that while winning the national prize would naturally be gratifying, she was equally enthusiastic about the prospect of raising awareness of teaching assistants and the substantial impact they deliver in educational settings daily.
She noted that these professionals frequently operate without fanfare, cultivating relationships with children, supporting their academic progress and emotional welfare, assisting families, and offering the additional care and motivation that can prove so consequential.
She expressed a desire for the nomination to serve as a platform to recognise all teaching assistants throughout Bradford who make extensive contributions to their schools and local communities.
The recipient of the award is set to be confirmed on Friday, 25 September.
The accolade forms part of National Teaching Assistants Day, an occasion when colleagues and pupils can out forward nominations for classroom support staff.