A TEACHER who has given 45 years of service to a school in Flintshire won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Leader Education Awards 2024. 

Alyson Davies has been a part of Sealand Primary School since 1979 and was handed the prize at the awards evening at The Village Hotel, St David's in Ewloe on March 14. 

The judges of the award were looking for a member of the school community who had shown a commitment to the sector over many years.

Whether that be for a leader, teacher or member of support staff. Judges were also hoping to see evidence of how the lives of pupils have been affected by their work.

On the night of the Education Awards, Gavyn Edwards from Excell Supply presented the award to Alison, before a rather emotional video was played to the audience. 

The video footage captured the pupil's and staff's thoughts of Alyson and documented her contribution and commitment to the school over the past 45 years. 

There were tears in the room as the education community came together to appreciate someone who had contributed so much to the sector.

In her nomination, the Leader was told Alyson had "given her whole career" to Sealand Primary School where she has worked as a teaching assistant in many forms since 1979. 

During her time at the school, Alyson has supported learners with a wide range of needs including social and emotional needs, as well as speech and language needs. 

She has received praise for her dedication and hard-working approach to ensure the best outcomes for the learners in her care. 

Alyson is due to retire at the end of this academic year having devoted her whole career to Sealand Primary School, supporting thousands of children and their families since 1979.

Her contributions were duly noted by the judges, who were delighted to handover the award to Alyson. 

After receiving the award, Alyson told the Leader: "Over the years I have seen things change enormously, but yet it still goes back around to how things used to be sometimes.

"When I was watching the video it did set off a lot of emotions, it really did. 

"I think I'm going to have a few words with everyone at the school for doing all of this behind my back. 

"Sometimes I could get embarrased by the fact I was the the same place for 45 years, as people would ask 'how do you do it? Don't you get bored?'.

"The reality of it is it's the children and the staff that change and that keeps you going.

"I am very proud of Sealand Primary School, every summer when we broke up I'd leave thinking 'that's my last year' but I always ended up going back.

"I'm retiring in the summer so this is an amazing farewell and way to go out."

Don't miss our souvenir supplement in this Thursday, March 28 Leader.