A CHULMLEIGH Primary School teaching assistant has won a national award for her exceptional kindness.
Charlotte Murray, the much-loved teaching assistant and leader of the Mighty Minds Club at Chulmleigh Primary School, has been chosen as the winner of the Outstanding Adult Award at the 52-Lives national Kindness Awards.
The Outstanding Kindness Award is awarded to an individual adult working within a school who has demonstrated an exceptional level of kindness during the 2023/24 school year.
The charity surprised Charlotte at a special assembly at her school and there were a LOT of tears.
Charlotte is a very special person who provides a safe space and a listening ear for everyone in her school community.
In the words of one teacher, “everyone needs a Charlotte in their school.”
Charlotte runs the Mighty Minds Club during playtimes and lunchtimes, where children can go and chat with her, sew with her, and create posters in a super caring environment.
She also runs a craft club after school in her own time to support children and give them more kindness in a supportive atmosphere.
She checks in with children and adults throughout the day and always makes everyone feel special.
Charlotte was selected by a panel of judges: Dr. David Hamilton (kindness scientist and best-selling author), Donna Ashworth (best-selling author and poet), Dan Devonald (Director of Einstein Tax), Jennifer Pearson (BAME Nurse of the Year), and Miriam Coffie (Deputy Clinical Manager in the NHS).
The judges praised Charlotte for her unwavering dedication to supporting children and creating a nurturing environment where every child feels worthy, valued, supported, and cared for.
Her colleagues said: “She truly is one of the world’s undercover, quietest, but kindest people – we all adore her!”
Judge Dan Devonald commented: “Charlotte’s dedication to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for children, her unwavering kindness, and her commitment to making everyone feel valued and special are why I believe she truly deserves the Kindness Award.”
As well as a trophy and certificate, Charlotte received a £50 gift voucher, a signed book bundle, and a six month subscription to The Week Junior and Happy Newspaper.