An "exceptional" staff member at a Bolton school cares for the most vulnerable pupils. 

Donna Howard of Kearsley Academy is our Bolton News Education Awards 2024 Support Worker of the Year, in association Bolton Council. 

Ms Howard, who is the safeguarding and wellbeing lead at the school, has been praised for her "exceptional" leadership and support of the "most vulnerable" pupils. 

In her nomination, a former Year 11 pupil spoke about the profound impact Ms Howard had on her. 

She said: "I was 14 when I first started working with Ms Howard. I have been through a lot in my home life and this was making me angry and changing my behaviour at school. 

"Ms Howard took the time to get to know me, my life and why I was struggling so much. She looked after me and showed me how to look after myself." 

She added: "She helped me when I was in the wrong foster placements and helped me to find my new home.

"When I was close to losing my place at school, she believed in me and helped me through this hard time and made me believe I could do it, and made others believe I could do it. 

"It has made a difference to my life, that someone would spend their own time and money to make special times like birthdays and Christmas a good memory when I didn't have much support. 

"Now I have left school, I am so happy that I have a friend and role model such as Ms Howard who still gives me friendship and confidence to carry on." 

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Principal at Kearsley Academy, Andrew Newton, said: "During her time in this role she has become the biggest advocate for our young people.

"She has maintained high standards of their behaviour whilst supporting and caring for their needs and providing any additional support. Without Donna, many of our young people would not have thrived at our school." 

Donna said: "It's shocking, I'm really shocked, super pleased but I wasn't expecting it at all." 

She said she realised it was about her when the name of the young person who gave her nomination was read out. 

Donna added: "It felt amazing, overwhelming. She is really special to me, we've worked super hard, all of us, to support her. 

"But to hear her say how much it has meant to her was really lovely."