Teaching Assistant of the Year Award, sponsored by Unison, goes to Michelle Hardy of Prestolee Primary School.

This award aims to celebrate a teaching assistant who raises the aspirations of pupils and helps them to reach new heights.

It recognises exceptional service and makes a real difference to pupils’ learn.

Mrs Hardy was nominated for this award by three parents who have had children at the nursery at Prestolee where she works.

One nomination read: “My daughter and I, along with many others refer to her as Miss Honey from Matilda as this is a true reflection of Mrs Hardy.

The Bolton News: Mrs Hardy on being told she had won the awardMrs Hardy on being told she had won the award (Image: Newsquest)

“Mrs Hardy is so kind, warm and welcoming and all the children that have had the pleasure of having Mrs Hardy as their first teacher on their first journey into primary school are very lucky.”

Mrs Hardy said: “I just can’t believe it, I’m just so overwhelmed. That’s one of the biggest shocks I’ve had in a long, long time.

“But I’m just so blessed and honoured (to) whoever’s voted for me, I just feel really lucky.

“I don’t see it as a job, I see it as something that’s just a massive passion and something that I do for the love of the children and for the families, and the job itself.”

The Bolton News: Mrs Hardy receiving her awardMrs Hardy receiving her award (Image: Newsquest)

She added: “The gentleman said that quite a lot of parents had voted, and it’s just so lovely to hear that, that parents do feel that way.

“I know that I do a good job with the children, but it’s just so lovely to be recognised with an award.”

“It was beautiful, it really was. I know that I do get a lot of support from the school, with regards to the rest of the staff.”

Mrs Hardy ended by thanking the parents who voted for her and everyone who believes in her.

Congratulations also go to Nighat Kauser of Moorgate Primary School and Lianne Cass of Bolton St Catherine’s Academy, who were both Highly Commended for our Teaching Assistant of the Year award.