NO time was wasted in nominating Darfield All Saints Academy for School of the Year in this year's Proud of Barnsley awards.

The school, on School Street, has been nominated by teacher Michelle Wilkinson who said it had gone from strength to strength over the last year, having being runner up last year.

In her nomination, Michelle said: "I am so proud to be part of a compassionate and caring staff who always go that extra mile every day. We don't just do this job because it's a job, we do it because we love it and I wouldn't want to work anywhere else.

"The school was runner up in last year's awards and we were over the moon with this achievement, but during the past year it has gone from strength to strength."

She said the thing which makes All Saints Academy stand out from other schools is they way the children are cared for.

There is a diverse range of pupils including many educational, physical and emotional needs and Michelle said each child is cared for by staff in the same way they would care for their own children.

"This is obvious the moment you walk through the door," she added.

The school also has strong links with the community and considers itself 'one big, happy family'.

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More than 100 members of the community attended the Mother's Day assembly and every lady received a fresh flower from the children.

The children also visit elderly residents of Darfield at harvest time and at Christmas, residents at the local care home were invited to watch the nativity play.

Michelle added: "We are very proud of how caring our pupils are. They love to hold 'dress up' days to raise money for charities, in particular Roald Dahl Day, when the children and staff dress up as their favourite Dahl character to raise money for sick children.

"I have worked at All Saints for many years and I have never been as proud of the school as I am now and I hope this year will be our year."