Brandon school pays tribute to support staff stars

Forest Academy in Brandon celebrated the invaluable role played by its school support staff today.

UNISON organised the ‘Stars in Our Schools’ event to promote the wonderful work school support staff do every day, and to make sure the world knows just how vital they are to every school.

Nearly 50 support staff were presented with certificates and chocolates in a large whole-school assembly, while some extra special staff were presented with awards of flowers and wine.

And Suffolk UNISON provided celebratory cake and refreshments for all the staff to enjoy.

UNISON Eastern local organiser Dionne Eade said: “School support staff are so often the unsung heroes in our schools and play an integral part of the education of young people.

“Their roles are incredibly diverse, from cooks, cleaners and caretakers to family support advisers, examinations staff and school business managers. They play a vital role in every aspect of school life and without them schools could not run.”

Head teacher April Grimes said: “Without our hardworking, dedicated support staff we could not function.

“I have been at Forest for 10 years and every day I see how our support staff work with the teachers to provide the best education possible for our children.

“They are loyal, enthusiastic and hardworking — and most importantly they care. They care the children and they care for the teachers and that is why we want ot show them how much we value everything they do for us.

And school trustee Reverend Paul Tams said: “It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a team to make a school. Without us all working together the school could not function, and without the work of the support staff the school could not work.

“On behalf of the governing body, thank you. We could not do it without you.’

UNISON next national Stars in Our Schools Day will be on Friday 29 November.