THE winner of this award ensures children are settled into school and look forward to coming everyday.

Rebecca Whittaker, who works at St James' CE High School in Farnworth received the Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Unison.

The teaching assistant works in the special education needs department where she works with all the teaching assistants and teachers to get young people thorough the year, and achieve in mainstream school, according to the glowing report she received in the nomination form.

Often it is the little things that make all the difference, which Miss Whittaker does on a daily basis, such as taking time out to simply listen and talk, building trust and a bond.

One parent said: "She befriended a shy young lad that is growing in stature on a daily basis and he believes he can do anything if he puts his mind to it."

Miss Whittaker, will ring parents every week to explain how they can take their child's learning and personal development further, encouraging schools and families to work together in the best interest of a child.

She has been working at the school since October 2014.

Miss Whittaker, aged 26, said: "I am really touched to have been nominated in the first place.

"The school itself is brilliant, it is such a nurturing environment where all the pupils are looked after.

"I thank St James' School for all its support."

She added: "The award recognises the whole of the SENCO and the hard work of the children, because they do three-quarters of the work, we guide them where they need to go."