Paula Kirby has been working at our school for over 20 years and has done it all. She beloved among all staff, children and families, accepts that everyday will be different and has not once complained, moaned or said no to something she has been asked to do. Always reliable, Paula never takes a day off. She is the master of everything; whether it’s displays in the classroom or in the wider school, covering a different class, printing/laminating for an upcoming event, running after school club, leading lunchtime staff everyday, one of the first on site and last off, she is an integral cog in the school. Paula is even the person who comes in if there is snow to assess the site. The school would literally fall apart without her.

Most importantly, is her ability to work with the children, build relationships, change perspectives and impart lifelong knowledge to the children she teaches. This is shows through the data over the last two years in Year 6, taking children who were working below at the beginning of the year to passing SATs in May. Her dedication and selflessness literally change lives. While she is only meant to be a TA, she has now, in two separate years (including presently), teaches a class full time. The school was unable to find long-term supply for the classes and Paula stepped up take on the challenge, on top of everything mentioned that she does.

Paula is the reason why our school is successful and without her we would be lost. We are eternally grateful to have her and she deserves every bit of recognition she gets (even though she hates the praise).