A TEACHER and a teaching assistant in Swindon have been recognised by Hays Education, the leading recruiting experts for their outstanding contributions to their schools this term.

Lucy Shears, a teaching assistant at The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College was awarded the ‘Outstanding Teaching Assistant of the Term’ award in recognition of all her hard work as a hugely dedicated teaching assistant.

After only a few days working at Ridgeway School, Lucy’s dedication to her work and her fantastic attitude was recognised and she was asked to attend interviews for the school’s teaching assistant vacancies. She ultimately was successful and offered a permanent position within the school after only two weeks supporting their specialist resource provision.

Will Rosier, ASC Manager at The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College commented how “Lucy has seamlessly adjusted to the work environment with some challenging students on the autistic spectrum. She has been professional and an asset to Hays.”

Miranda Wayne-Barwell, Recruitment Consultant from Hays Education Swindon said: "We are pleased to be able to recognise the vital role that our excellent teachers play in schools across Wiltshire. Teaching Assistants like Lucy Shears, show how much of an impact supply teachers can make on a school and its pupils, we extend our congratulations to Lucy Shears on her award."

Veronica Pascall, a teacher at Peatmoor Community Primary School was also recognised with the ‘Outstanding Teacher of the Term’ award.

On receiving her award from Hays Veronica said: “When I agreed back in the summer to work at Peatmoor for up to six weeks, the first thing I did was look at their website. I knew then that I would enjoy working at this school. Their mission statement is “Enjoy Learning. Enjoy life.” But the thing that really stood out was the next sentence that said, ‘Our children are the key to the success of our school’.

Donna Eaton, Head Teacher at Peatmoor said: "Mrs Pascall joined us in the second week of Term 1, to cover our Year 6 class for the remainder of the term. Due to her commitment to the class and her passion for their learning, we have continued to employ Mrs Pascall until the end of July to cover a maternity leave. She has very much become part of our staff here at Peatmoor and we are so pleased that her dedication and hard work has been recognised with the award."

Kieron McNeill, Senior Manager at Hays Education in Swindon added: “Teachers like Veronica Pascall, show how much of an impact supply teachers can make on a school and its pupils, we extend our congratulations to Veronica on her award.”