Parents have praised a teacher's heartwarming letter sent to pupils ahead of their SATs tests.
With Year 6 pupils set to take the tests next week, it can be a stressful time for children, made worse by the disruptions they've faced to their education throughout the pandemic.
That's why teacher Phoebe Casey decided to write a letter to her class at All Saints CE Primary School, in Newton Heath, Manchester, to offer them some reassurance and to tell them how proud she is of all they have achieved.
In it, she says: "The sheer effort and dedication you have all shown in some of the toughest years this country has faced has been outstanding. I have been blown away by your perseverance and how far you have come in just one school year. Superstars!"
Telling the 31 children there is 'something very important I want you to know', she added: "The tests you are taking do not assess what makes you special and unique. The people marking your test papers do not know you like we know you at All Saints and certainly not as well as your families know you.
"They do not know that some of you have the most impressive talent, speak several languages, love to draw and have a real fondness of stickers! They do not know that some of you play a musical instrument, participate in sport and take part in competitions.
"They do not know your hopes, dreams and aspirations for the future. They do not know that you are caring and thoughtful and despite what you have faced in the last few years, you always persevere - you always try your best. You always make me proud."
Mrs Casey, who is in her sixth year at the Culcheth Lane school after starting there as a newly qualified teacher, told the children that their test results 'will tell you something, but they will not tell you everything'.
"You are a success and there are many ways to be successful," she added. "So whilst you are preparing for the test, remember there is no way to 'assess' all of the wonderful things that make you, you! Rest, rest, rest and believe in yourselves - you are all fantastic!"
Dad John Barry, whose 11-year-old son Zac is one of Mrs Casey's pupils, shared the letter on a local Facebook group and said: "Reading this is so uplifting, this teacher is amazing the way she explains to the kids. I wish I had teachers like this when I was in primary school."
Other parents praised the letter and the school.
"Love this, made me cry," said one. "Mrs Casey and all the staff at All Saints are so committed to our children."
Another added: "What a wonderfully supportive letter from someone who is obviously supportive, kind and caring, everything a teacher should be. Thank you for caring so much Mrs Casey."
Explaining why she decided to send the letter, Mrs Casey told the Manchester Evening News: "The messages within the letter are messages that school staff deliver to children every day.
"The letter was a written reminder to the children of how proud we are of all their achievements and the amazing attributes that define who they are. We want the children to always be proud of themselves."
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