A SUPPORT worker who goes "above and beyond" at a school for pupils with complex behavioural needs is in the running for a Worcestershire Education Award.
James Lambert, who is a pastoral support worker for Norton College, has been nominated in the Special Education Needs category.
His nomination said: "James should win the award and recognition for the unrivalled time he gives and goes above and beyond his role as a pastoral school support worker to those pupils he interacts with."
After hearing the news the 46-year-old who lives in Worcester spoke of his love for the job.
"Our mission is to give challenged young people the sort of educational, social and vocational skills that will help with overcoming barriers to learning and integrating positively into society," he said.
"I absolutely love my job. What can be better than working in the great outdoors with fresh air and a bunch of really engaged kids having fun; whilst mastering physical activities such as kayaking, climbing, skating and much, much more.
“The activities we do helps them to improve their mental health, increase their confidence and self-esteem. I enjoy seeing them succeed and prosper. Last term, one of my students qualified as an external National Paddle Board Instructor so he can now teach others and encourage them to participate in sport.
“It doesn’t feel like work and I’m lucky enough to get paid for it. It’s the best job in the world."
Rod Goold, head of school, added: "James uses his expertise as an outdoor education instructor to give students challenges relating to sailing, kayaking, canoeing, forest skills and climbing that builds their confidence and self-esteem which helps them to succeed when they are accessing academic lessons.”
The awards, run by our Worcestershire titles including the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette and Evesham Journal, aim to shine a light on those in education who have worked tirelessly to support, teach and care for our young people.
The awards are in their sixth year and will culminate in a glitzy black-tie dinner when the winners will be revealed.
There is still time to make a nomination in one of the 12 categories - early years education award; primary school of the year; secondary school of the year; independent school of the year; community involvement award; special education needs (Senco); headteacher/principal of the year; teacher/lecturer of the year; new teacher of the year; stem project of the year; support staff of the year and unsung hero award.
The deadline for nominations is February 11.
To make a nomination visit worcesternews.co.uk/awards/worcestershireeducationawards.
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