Sefton Central Labour MP, Bill Esterson was on hand to present support staff with special awards.

Sefton Central Labour MP, Bill Esterson was on hand to present support staff with special awards to recognise the amazing contribution made to children by everyone in schools.

Trade union, Unison awards one of its staff a “Stars in our Schools award.” Bill Esterson MP presented the winners with awards at St Nicoholas Church of England Primary, Ursuline Roman Catholic Primary both in Crosby and at Newick Special School in Thornton.

“Teaching assistants and non teaching staff are vital in support of teachers and in making sure that the children receive the best possible education. I was thrilled to be able to present awards at St Nicholas, Ursuline and at Newick and to be able to meet the excellent staff at all three schools. It was clear to me that children and colleagues really appreciate the excellent work of the winners and of all of the support staff at the schools,” said Labour MP, Bill Esterson. “Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to Unison for making sure that their members hard work is recognised. Unison members do a tremendous job in our schools and the partnership between the unions and school management is a crucial factor in the success at all schools. We are really lucky to have such good schools in Crosby, Thornton, Maghull, Aintree, Lydiate, Melling and Formby. But that luck is only part of the story. It is the hard work, commitment and encouragement of support staff alongside head teachers and teachers that makes sure the children do so well.”

"We are so lucky to have such a fantastic team of Teaching Assistants here at St Nicholas CE Primary. They are all so skilled in what they do and work tirelessly for the benefit of the children, as do all the members of staff here. We were so pleased to be able to thank each and everyone of them on this special day, they are truly 'Stars in our School.'” Said Becky Woods, Headteacher at St Nicholas Church of England Primary.

‘Stars in our schools’ winners were:

St Nicholas Church of England Primary - Lynn Rudd with special commendation for Ann Marie Chatterton (TA UNISON Rep)

Ursuline RCP - Joan Schaer

Newfield Special School - Jo Rowlands

Labour MP, Bill Esterson is pictured with winners at the three schools