Tearful teaching assistant at Fox Wood takes top education award

Lesley Beswick, a “caring, patient and wonderful” teaching assistant at Fox Wood School, is the 2024 Teaching Assistant of the Year.

Nominations poured in for Lesley as parents and colleagues alike wanted to honour her unwavering support and commitment to her students and the wider school community.

Nominations for Lesley poured in from parents and colleagues at Fox Wood School

One nomination said: “Lesley is dedicated to her role and ensures that all pupils are happy and she supports them to develop a love for learning in all that she does.

“Lesley is an exceptional teaching assistant who supports every teacher she works with, ensuring resources are ready and available, children’s needs are met and provides a happy and calm environment for pupils every day.

“We are truly lucky to have Lesley at our school and we appreciate everything she does.”

Another nomination said: “Lesley is a team player and never leaves anyone behind; she will always find a way to make you laugh and help you get through the difficult days, as well as being a driving force on the good days.

“I am so privileged to know Lesley and to have worked with her - she is amazing and there aren't enough people in the world like her.”

WATCH: Lesley Beswick is our Teaching Assistant of the Year

A third said: “Lesley is in school early in the morning and stays late, making resources and sorting paperwork to make her class teacher's life easier.

“She sets up the classroom ready for pupils and has activities organised before you've even thought that they need doing!

“She is such a kind and nurturing lady, who has all the time in the world for the pupils she works with.

“Lesley helps them to overcome the difficulties they may face throughout the school day, inspiring them to do their best and face challenges head on.

“She is so calm and this inspires calm in the pupils and staff she works with, which is particularly helpful when working with children who have severe learning disabilities.”

Lesley is a kind and nurturing lady, who has all the time in the world for the pupils she works with.

Lucinda Duffy, head teacher at Fox Wood School, commended Lesley on her hard work and tireless work ethic.

She said: “Lesley has been a crucial part of Team Fox Wood for 35 years.

“She is one of the first people that many of our pupils and their families meet.

“This is a conscious decision on my part as she epitomises all that we stand for and all that we are.

“Lesley sees, believes in, and works hard to enable our pupils to achieve their potential and to shine.

“Lesley is a truly wonderful teaching assistant and person, quite simply a shining star!”

Lesley is a "caring, patient and wonderful" teaching assistant at Fox Wood School