Award for human 'search engine' Mother is top teaching assistant.

Byline: BY LAURA SHARPE Daily Post Staff

A WIRRAL teaching assistant described by her colleagues as the human "search engine" has won a national teaching award.

Mandy Skillen, 46, from Woodlands Primary School, in Birkenhead, was crowned Teaching Assistant of the Year at a glitzy ceremony in London last night.

Mrs Skillen, who has worked at the school for 28 years, was chosen from entrants across the country for her dedication and commitment to children with family or behavioural problems.

Her colleagues describe her as a "search engine" - if she doesn't know something, she will find out.

Her changing roles as cleaner, lunchtime supervisor, classroom assistant and home liaison officer have seen her picking up children from home to make sure they attend, and brought her into contact with landlords and courts.

She set up the "Nurture Class" to support emotionally deprived children, and is known for her rapport with pupils and parents alike. She temporarily took one young boy into her own home because his own mother could not cope, and arranged a programme in the school holidays with social services for the most vulnerable families.

Mrs Skillen said: "I'm overwhelmed.

I've always looked for the best in pupils and because I live locally they know they can call in if they need any help.

"I've taken children to visit parents in hospital and they know I'm always in school from 7.30am and I stay until at least 5.45pm, so I'm there if they need me. My job is so rewarding and I love my contact with parents and bringing them into school life with their children.

"Sometimes it's hard and I've sat and cried, but it's a fantastic school and I couldn't imagine doing anything else."

When judges arrived at the school, a homeless parent, whose belongings were kept in Mrs Skillen's room, described her as a tower of strength.

"Without her, I would probably not be here. I would certainly not have my son with me."

Another parent said: "In life, you meet people who are able to touch the hearts of others, who care and instil confidence and security with positive guidance, yet seem totally unaware. Mrs Skillen is one of these people."

As a mother-of-five, all of whom attended Woodlands, Mrs Skillen is also an active member of the Parent Teacher Association and a school governor.

Headteacher Gill Lingfield said: "Mandy has given heart and soul to the children and has been instrumental in helping to foster our inclusive, tolerant and caring ethos."

I love my contact with parents

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CAPTION(S):

Mandy Skillen, from Birkenhead - crowned Teaching Assistant of the Year