Worksop: Guardian Rose for teacher at Outwood Academy Valley

A teacher at a Worksop school has been presented with a Guardian Rose for going ‘beyond the call of duty’.
Guardian Rose presentation to Tanya Parkin (right) Year 10 Learning Manager at Outwood Academy Valley by Year 10 pupil Ben Nunwick 14 who suffers from ME. Pictured here with his mother, Clare Nunwick.Guardian Rose presentation to Tanya Parkin (right) Year 10 Learning Manager at Outwood Academy Valley by Year 10 pupil Ben Nunwick 14 who suffers from ME. Pictured here with his mother, Clare Nunwick.
Guardian Rose presentation to Tanya Parkin (right) Year 10 Learning Manager at Outwood Academy Valley by Year 10 pupil Ben Nunwick 14 who suffers from ME. Pictured here with his mother, Clare Nunwick.

Tanya Parkin, head of Year 10 at Outwood Academy Valley, Valley Road, was presented with the award on Wednesday 11th March by mum Clare Nunwick, on behalf of her son Ben.

A Guardian Rose - from Walkers House of Flowers in the Priory Shopping Centre - is our way of acknowledging and rewarding dedicated members of our communities.

Clare said: “My son Ben has suffered Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since October 2011, shortly after starting at Valley.”

“For the first few months he was only able to access school intermittently and then not at all for several months as he was so unwell.”

“Throughout this time Mrs Parkin kept in constant touch with us and eventually helped us set-up some home tuition.”

The school eventually took over Ben’s home tuition and have gradually reintegrated him into the school part-time. He currently does two to three hours a day when he is well enough.

“Mrs Parkin has really gone above and beyond her duty,” Clare said.

“She has been a massive support to Ben and ourselves, as parents. She always contacts us, liaises with other care providers and the excellent SEN department in the school.”

“Although she had no previous experience of the illness she has been more than willing to learn and adapt Ben’s timetable and support accordingly. The illness is very variable and he often has to use a wheelchair because of the pain and tiredness. She has never once lost patience with the situation.”

Clare told the Guardian that the whole school has been very understanding with Ben.

“If Ben could get better alone by how much she cares and her will for him to succeed, he would be well again,” she added.

“Behind her is the whole school network and in their care for Ben they have been outstanding. I can honestly say for Mrs Parkin though, that you can see it is not just a job, it is her vocation. I have been in school often enough as well to see that she cares about but all the pupils in her care.”