A MUM of four has her sights set on university after getting involved at her children’s school.

Jenni Williams didn’t sit her GCSEs but is now heading in to higher education thanks to Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) help and support from Haxby Road Primary Academy’s pupil and family wellbeing team.

Jenni also collected accolades at the York Adult Learners Awards, organised by York Community Learning Partnership. She was a finalist in the ‘Biggest Achievement Award’ and voted overall winner.

Subject to successful outcomes of WEA Helping in Schools and Helping Pupils with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities accredited courses, Jenni will embark on a two-year foundation degree at York St John University, working with children and young people. She has ambitions to then study for a further year and become a one-to-one mentor, helping others, in the same kind of family support environment that has helped transform her own life.

Jenni said: “I have a child in nursery, another in Year 4, and two others who have been through Haxby Road and have now left.

“I volunteered to take over the running of the school cafe last January. It’s very informal and relaxed, for parents dropping off their children. I bring in people who help with family information, citizens’ advice, benefits, that sort of thing, to give them a platform and a chance for everyone to have a chat and keep up to date with what’s going on.”

The school has also developed a second cafe, along similar lines but aimed at parents of two-year-olds who attend Haxby Road’s Tiny Steps Academy.

Jenni said: “These sessions aim to involve parents in their children’s education, to help them support their children’s learning and there are arts and crafts activities for everyone to get involved with.”

Running the cafes gave Jenni the chance to join other parents in taking part in the WEA Helping in Schools course, designed for parents who wish to volunteer in school and also support their own children’s learning.

Diane Quinney, WEA organiser for York, said: “This course addresses the importance of raising children’s and parents’ aspirations and doing things they both enjoy doing together.

“Jenni is a great ambassador for WEA courses and we’re thrilled she did so well in the adult learner awards.”

Head teacher Zoe Lightfoot, said: “We feel so proud of Jenni. We know that parental involvement is integral to raising aspirations and our children’s educational outcomes. Our family wellbeing team do a brilliant job.”