Teaching assistant on award shortlist
ST Mark’s CE Primary School in Scarisbrick is celebrating after one of its teachers was named as a finalist in the Lancashire Pride Awards in the ‘Making a Difference to our Community’ category.
Jan Lyness who works as a teaching assistant at the school, is also the staff governor, employee health and safety representative and the parent school advisor.
In 2015 Mrs Lyness won two regional Pride Awards for Employee of the Year and Customer Service Award.
This year as cuts are made nationally Lancashire County Council felt is should still recognise employees that give that bit extra to make them so special, so no formal dinner or regional awards were held just overall awards.
Finalists from the region gathered in Preston last week for the award ceremony began.
Mrs Lyness collect her award from Lancashire County Council Chief Executive Jo Turton and County Councillor Jennifer Mein.
Marilyn Freeman, St Mark’s head teacher praised the winner.
He said: “Mrs Lyness is part of our school and is well respected by everybody in our school and wider community.
“We are a close working team at St Mark’s and all work extremely hard to give every child the best start in life.
“Mrs Lyness is a shining example of the great things we have at our school. I’m delighted that she was nominated and is a finalist.
“Jan Lyness always delivers, never fails and has taken on so many other duties and areas of responsibility since she started at the school over 20 years ago.
“All the children love Mrs Lyness, she is approachable and always thinks of ways she can get the best out of the children as individuals.
“So much happens before, during and after school that nobody sees.
“However, she is always the first person to greet you with a smile first thing every morning ready for a day of learning and achievement.”