We would like to congratulate Ashmount volunteer Shaun Crate for being named runner-up in the Charnwood Sports Awards in December 2018. 

Shaun was named as one of two runners-up in the 'Joe Humphries Special Recognition Award'. 

It is always difficult to highlight specific volunteers for recognition. However, volunteer Shaun Crate is, without doubt, one of the most inspirational individuals to volunteer in our school to date.

Shaun (27) started volunteering at Ashmount approximately four years ago and he now volunteers in our school for three days every week.

Shaun supports pupils with special educational needs of all ages. Last year, Shaun supported weekly swimming sessions and weekly PE sessions, working with pupils with complex needs and pupils with autism spectrum conditions, many of whom also have physical disabilities. Shaun also works alongside our support staff at lunchtimes on three days a week to help our pupils with the most profound and multiple learning difficulties to develop their fine and gross motor skills.

What is perhaps most inspirational is the fact that Shaun has cerebral palsy and so has his only challenges to overcome when providing support to our pupils. Shaun explains that he is not always as quick as he would like to be in getting around school and that he sometimes has to repeat himself to make himself properly understood.

In Shaun’s own words, ‘You have two choices: you can sit back feeling sorry for yourself, or you can put a smile on your face and get on with it’.

It is no surprise that some of our students who have physical disabilities feel comfortable in asking Shaun personal questions about the challenges he faces.

Shaun is quite simply one of the best volunteers we have ever had at Ashmount. His dedication and commitment to providing the very highest standards of support and care for our students is exemplary, and we are delighted that his efforts have been recognised.