A TEACHING assistant (TA) at Sherborne Primary School who is described as “the most kind, caring and supportive lady” by her peers has won an award for her work.

Sue Read, who has worked at the school for more than 30 years, won the ‘Outstanding Support in the Classroom’ award as part of TA Recognition Day after she was nominated by colleague Rhiannon Brenchley.

Ms Read was surprised with the award at a school assembly and was presented with her certificate and voucher by executive headteacher Ian Bartle.

“Sue is a phenomenal support to everyone in our school,” Ms Brenchley said.

“She has dedicated over 30 years of service to Sherborne Primary School, working as a TA, cover supervisor and lunch time supervisor, managing various lunch time support staff as well as managing new ways of cooking meals on-site and children’s settings.

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“I have had the pleasure of working with Sue since I started in January 2018; not only did she make me feel welcome from the start, but nothing was ever too much trouble and she would always find a way to make me smile on the most stressful of days!

“In my role as phase leader, Sue often jumps in at a second’s notice to cover me when I need to leave the room to deal with situations arising in our team.

“She covers in staff absence, on planning mornings/PPA and never, ever grumbles. Everything is taken in her stride and with a smile.

“Sue is the most kind, caring and supportive lady I have ever had the pleasure of working with and I sincerely hope that she is able to have some additional recognition for her wonderful work across many years of service.

“She has positively impacted thousands of lives and is still recognised in the street by children she worked with many years ago.”