“WONDERFULLY kind and caring” Julia Wright was given the Special Education Need award.

The Aspire Co-ordinator at Hanley Castle High School triumphed after judges heard she continually went above and beyond her role to provide outstanding support.

She was described as a “perfect role model” for students and looked continually to find new ways to ensure all students were included and interventions were accessible for all.

Her dedication to helping families was the time she raised money within school to help a family struggling financially at Christmas.

She did a food shop and delivered it as well as buying and wrapping presents for the children, which she gave to their parents to help at Christmas.

She works closely with the families she supports, putting on free events throughout the year.

Julia Wright said: “I’m absolutely privileged to be nominated, a finalist and a winner!

“The award continues to inspire me to do the best for young people particularly students with special educational needs.

“It’s so inspiring to see so many teachers doing their utmost for students, particularly in difficult financial times.”

Lindsey Cooke, Hanley Castle head said: “The competition was stiff, but the deciding factor was the outstanding support we offer to children with special needs as a result of Julia’s kind and caring personality and the fact that the well-being and needs of the students are always her main concern. We are really proud of Julia and the entire Aspire team. They thoroughly deserve this recognition of their unstinting hard work.”

Julien Cantin, from Regency High School, Worcester, and Cally Rees, from Pershore High School were runners up.

Mr Cantin was said to create accessible lessons and deliver them with humour, fun and wit, while Ms Rees’s ability to spot issues and support pupils was praised.