A Worcestershire Education Awards nominee has paid thanks to her colleagues.

Bengeworth CE Academy’s Joanne Nicholson has been nominated for the Support Staff of the Year Award.

Mrs Nicholson was stunned to hear about the nomination, and took the time to thank the team around her for their support.

She said: "The nomination came as a surprise and totally unexpected. It took a few days to sink in and I am very humbled to receive it.

“It is nice that someone not only took the time to nominate me but has recognised the work that I enjoy doing in the job that I love.

“What we do at Bengeworth CE Academy is a team effort and I would like to acknowledge the hard work of all my colleagues.

“The children are at the heart of everything we do and we inspire them to Dream, Believe, Achieve."

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Mrs Nicholson was nominated for the award by Evesham resident Nicola Boyle, whose son attends the school.

“Mrs Nicholson goes above and beyond for my child every day at school,” she said.

“He has ASD and an EHCP, and the progress he’s made with Mrs Nicholson is amazing.

“She has endless patience for him, and he absolutely loves being around her.

“She is fantastic at her job and an asset to the school.”

Headteacher of the school on Burford Road, Hayley Potter, added: “Jo is a valued member of our support professional team here at Bengeworth CE Academy always going above and beyond.

“Jo works in close partnership with teachers, support professionals and parents, ensuring that children receive the very best learning experiences and are able to fulfil their potential both academically and socially.

“We are very proud of Jo for receiving this well-deserved nomination."

The Worcestershire Education Awards in partnership with the University of Worcester has 12 categories and runs across all of our Worcestershire titles – the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette, Evesham Journal, Bromsgrove & Droitwich Advertiser, Redditch Advertiser and Kidderminster Shuttle.

The closing date for nominations is Monday, February 13.

The awards will culminate in a black-tie event on Thursday, April 20, at 7pm at the Abbey Hotel, Great Malvern.

Nominations take just a few minutes. To nominate someone click here.