Teaching assistant is a class act

Elizabeth Hurst - proud to be nominated

A TEACHING assistant with 29 years of dedicated service to children has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Elizabeth Hurst (49) works at St Anne’s CE School, Royton, in classroom and sports-activity roles and has been praised for her caring nature and work both in the classroom and at after-school activities.

Away from work Elizabeth is a single-parent with three children, one of whom suffers seizures linked to epilepsy.

Nicola Folwell, a mum of three herself, made the nomination and told the Chronicle: “I’ve known Elizabeth for eight years. She has spent many unpaid hours taking children to sporting events in her own time because she wants them to experience different sports.

“She’s very kind with children, takes a real interest in their lives and gets to know them. I have a daughter who is disabled and Elizabeth went above and beyond to support her at school.

She’s an excellent example to children and staff, and I strongly feel she deserves a Pride in Oldham award.”

Elizabeth said: “I think it’s really good parents appreciate the hard work staff do.

“Things get more difficult for me when I get a call saying my son has had a seizure and needs hospital treatment for up to three weeks at a time. I appreciate the good wishes from others. It really is nice to be nominated for Pride in Oldham award. I’m very grateful.”