It’s been an uncertain time for the Year 1 class at Tilehouse combined school in Denham. After their regular teacher, Manjit Bringan, became acting head of the Buckinghamshire school in September, the children were taught by a succession of supply teachers.
Thank goodness then for Zoe Taylor, Year 1‘s learning support assistant, who was always there even when their teacher was changing on an almost daily basis.
“She kept the class afloat,” says Helen Williams, the parent governor who nominated Zoe for our flowers, chocolate and champagne. “She read with the children, sorted out their homework, reassured parents and was a kind, stable presence. She’d always been a superb LSA but she rose to the challenge with flair.”
Finally, Year 1 have found a permanent supply teacher, Lynne Kirschen, who is just as enthusiastic about her new right-hand woman. “Zoe’s fantastic: the best assistant I’ve had,” she says.
Ms Bringan says Zoe, who is also a lunchtime supervisor, has shown dedication beyond the call of duty in looking after her old class. “Zoe is happy to have a go at anything,” she says. “From putting up displays to getting to the bottom of why someone hasn’t eaten their sandwiches.”
Zoe joined the school in 2001and has two of her own children at the 150-pupil school, Ben in Year 6 and Amy in Year 4.
“All our LSAs are very talented and do so much for the school,” says Ms Bringan. “But Zoe got us through a particularly hard patch. A mention in your column would help us express our gratitude for all she does.”
Is there an unsung hero in your school? Tell Sarah Bayliss, TESFriday editor, about him or her at the address opposite. Flowers kindly supplied by Marks Spencer
