Catering firm Taylor Shaw's unit manager Larissa Wells has won the LACA Unsung Hero Award for her caring dedication at the Villa Real School, County Durham – which caters for children with special needs.
A new category in the national LACA Awards for Excellence – the Unsung Hero Award celebrates a unique contribution to school catering, which might otherwise go unnoticed.
Judges were amazed with Wells' caring nature and innovative ways of improving mealtimes. For example, after taking qualifications in dealing with children with autism, she had the idea to start using the Picture Exchange Communications System (PECS). The system helps her engage with children about their food, even if they have little or no communication skills.”
Wells has also started using different food moulds to turn pureed and blended food back into more recognisable looking meals. For one child – who was only ever able manage to eat baby food from jars before – it has made an incredible difference to mealtimes.
Larissa Wells said, “I was so humbled to win this award. I’m just doing my job. But it’s lovely to see it recognised. I feel so proud and grateful to work with such wonderful people.”
Lynda Walker, Taylor Shaw general manager, said, “Larissa is a wonderful, caring individual who shows great care and compassion for her children. I’m delighted to see her get the praise she deserves.”
Larissa’s win wasn’t the only thing for Taylor Shaw to celebrate at the awards. The education catering specialist also picked up four Best in Class awards in the national Finishing Touches craft competition – a live culinary display salon organised by LACA in association with the Craft Guild of Chefs.
The success at the national awards has heaped praise upon praise for Taylor Shaw – part of Elior UK – which won four awards and was highly commended for a fifth in the LACA North East & Scotland Awards for Excellence earlier this year.