Thank you Nicola

Top marks for Nicola as she is nominated by the head teacher

Nicola Reed, non-teaching deputy lead at Helen Gibson and Clervaux Nursery School, Jarrow, has been nominated by head teacher, Jenny Parker.

Jenny, said: “Nicola is an amazing person! As soon as the lockdown started her worry was for vulnerable children, families that would not be able to get out and those that had no family to deliver food to them."

“Nicola had set up a food bank at the nurseries not so long ago. So, she bagged up what we had, put a plea out on social media and asked staff, friends and family to help. Food parcels began to arrive along with cash donations to buy food. Nicola and myself distributed the parcels to people who were either too infirm to leave their homes or those that were isolating."

“I had to isolate at one point and immediately Nicola and her colleagues, Michelle Dixon and Lauren Wadey, stepped in to help. Our staff team is simply the best! Nicola also recognised that some staff and families would be struggling with their mental health and wellbeing."

"So, along with our other mental health champion, Michelle Dixon, she put together a huge package of support ranging from motivational quotes-of-the-day to group exercise classes. She has even managed to get me to start the Couch to 5K challenge via mobile phone, motivating me every step of the way. She has also dropped off toys for some of our children to ensure they are occupied and stimulated and that their home learning is developed."

“Nicola heard about the shortage of bags for NHS workers to put their clothes in when finishing their shifts. Michelle Dixon put out a plea for pillow cases and set to work making them and then Nicola delivered them to hospitals and care homes. London North Eastern Railway (LNER) heard about what she was doing and donated 1,000 linen bags which Nicola delivered to places that badly needed them. LNER also donated bags-for-life, which have been used to contain the shopping she tirelessly delivers to our families in need.”

Nicola from Jarrow, said: “I am thrilled to be nominated but I just think that I am doing my job. As soon as the school closed down during the pandemic I wanted to support the pupils and families in any way that I could. I am not alone in this process and my colleagues Michelle Dixon and Lauren Wadey have gone above and beyond to help out so they also need to be acknowledged. It is lovely to see that our efforts are making a real difference.”

The Mayor of South Tyneside Councillor Norman Dick, said: “On behalf of the people of South Tyneside, The Mayoress and I would like to convey our gratitude for the multiple ways in which you are supporting pupils and residents during the pandemic."

“I feel that South Tyneside has joined together, more than ever, as a community and as the Borough’s First Citizen, I would like to say a huge personal thank you for being part of our community and for helping us to address this challenge in an extremely positive way. We are extremely #proud.”