Hempsted School finished top of the podium at last week’s Panathlon National Swimming Final at the prestigious London Aquatics Centre – and teaching assistant Julie Bassett, along with the rest of the staff, is delighted.
“I just want to say a huge thank you for everything you do but especially for [the swimming final]. The children and parents were overwhelmed with the amazing experience of swimming in the Olympic pool. We have taken part in the Panathlon swimming galas for a while now, and have taken part at Nationals a few times and never placed.
“Last year we came third and the children said to me [the day before the final], ‘Mrs Bassett, we think this is our year. We’re going to win it.’
“The early start was definitely worth it too. I’ve shared photos on the school staff chat and they all agree: what an amazing achievement of winning at Nationals.
“These events are so important as sometimes these children miss out on lots of inter-school events so to have these opportunities is great as the confidence they get follows through into their school work and everyday life.”
