Laura Palmer works as a teaching assistant at St Matthias CofE Primary School in Malvern and has been praised for the way she nurtures the children in her care.
Having started working in childcare in Gloucestershire when she was 16, she earned her qualification and developed a passion for working with children.
Over the years she has worked as a childminder, supported families in the military community and helped children from diverse backgrounds with varying needs.
Ms Palmer has now been nominated in the ‘Support Staff of the Year’ category at the Worcestershire Education Awards 2025.
The nomination said: “Laura is an outstanding member of staff. For the past two and half years, she has been our son’s one-to-one staff member at nursery and has now followed him to school.
“She’s absolutely got his back at all times and fights hard for what is best for him. She does all of this on top of being a mum to her two children and having her own health challenges too.
“She’s amazing and we love her.”
Ms Palmer, who has been helping a child who requires full-time physical support, has also been praised for the way she allows him to fully participate in the curriculum and for being his voice.
This include feeding, changing, playing, singing, reading and laughing with him.
Reacting to her nomination, Ms Palmer said: “I wasn’t seeking a return to a traditional nursery setting, but when I learned that Dylan’s family were struggling to find someone qualified and suitable to care for him, I was too compelled to resist.
“Despite his challenges, he is a vibrant, adventurous four-year-old who loves the outdoors, stories, and music.
“Over the past two and a half years, I have built a strong bond with him and his family, working closely with his dedicated team of professionals to ensure he receives the highest quality of care.”
Ms Palmer said she is grateful and overwhelmed by the nomination and will continue to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives.
She added: “Throughout my career, I have been driven by a commitment to nurturing each child’s unique potential.
“My diverse experiences, coupled with my training and passion for inclusion, have prepared me to continue making a meaningful difference in children’s lives.”
The Worcestershire Education Awards shine a spotlight on those who continue to make a difference in the field of education.
They seek to reward those members of the teaching and education sector for their hard work both in the classroom and behind the scenes.
The awards are run by Newsquest which publishes the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette, Evesham Journal, Bromsgrove and Droitwich Advertiser, Kidderminster Shuttle and Redditch Advertiser.
The winners will be announced at a black tie event on Thursday (April 3) at the Bank House Hotel in Worcester.
The closing date for nominations is Sunday, January 26.
To nominate visit www.worcesternews.co.uk/worcestershireeducationawards/