Mrs Rene Farrell is a learning support assistant at St Paul’s Church of England primary school in Royton, near Oldham Mrs Farrell supports Gareth, a pupil in Year 1 with Down’s syndrome. His speech therapist, Robert Robinson, nominated her for our bouquet saying he was impressed “by her dedication, skill and enthusiasm”. Headteacher Stephen Taylor says: “He’s absolutely right. Rene is doing a great job.” The shool, with 270 pupils and a specialist language unit, has a policy which teaches all children sign language. Mrs Farrell is one of the staff experts.

Please send the name of your Friday Hero - and why he or she should get a bouquet - to Sarah Bayliss, TES Friday, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX or e-mail sarah.bayliss@tes.co.uk. Flowers kindly supplied by Marks and Spencer