Dear Colleagues,

we are delighted to announce that JANE LINDSAY From WEST HILL PRIMARY SCHOOL (Dartford) is the winner of the 5th Pauline Green Award (2014-15) which was created to recognise people in Gravesham, Dartford and Swanley working in Early years/Primary education to support children with Speech, Language and Communication needs (including Autism Spectrum Conditions). She is pictured above on the right, along with Nicola Wiltshire who nominated her. The Panel received a good number of entries of a high standard and it was heartlifting at the end of a busy academic year to read about the difference that the nominated people have made for the children in our districts.

We were inspired to hear about Jane’s work with children having SLCN– how she so often goes the extra mile for them, how she has created a ‘bubble room’ to support children with anxieties, made resources for her colleagues to use with autistic children and how her calm, patient and professional manner helped to overcome so many barriers for these young people. At the special Celebration assembly in July the children were VERY excited to see her come up in front of the whole school to receive her award! I’m sure you join with us in commending Jane, hoping that she will continue to keep up her great work.