Trusted friend to victim of abuse

Photo: Picture: DARREN ROBINSON

learning mentor Jane Harvey

A YOUNG girl who was abused for four years is on the road to recovery thanks to the help of her school.

And she and her family are so impressed with the support and care of Crompton House School learning mentor Jane Harvey that they have nominated her for a Pride in Oldham award.

As well as concerns over starting secondary school with new teachers, friends and a learning environment, the girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had far greater worries when it emerged at the age of 11 that she had suffered the abuse.

But Mrs Harvey became a trusted friend and familiar face to the family as she guided them through a horrendous time.

The abuser was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail after a five-day trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Throughout it all, Mrs Harvey was available at a moment’s notice to offer understanding and reassurance. She accompanied the girl and her family on pre-trial court visits, attended the trial with them to give support and collected school work and helped her catch up.

The girl, now aged 14, said: “She has been there for me, during the school day, before and after school, to try and motivate me when I have felt desperate.

“Mrs Harvey was my official carer during the trial. She was understanding and made me smile and laugh whenever I was feeling down or going through a tough time. Even now I know she is there to reassure me on those difficult times. Mrs Harvey is a saint and absolutely brilliant. She is a credit to Crompton House and I’d like to thank them all. I don’t know where I’d be without her.”

Her proud mum added: “She is on the right road now thanks to Jane and the school who have helped get us there. Jane was absolutely outstanding and went far, far beyond the call of duty.

“I never expected a school, or a person at the school, would have done so much. It’s made me realise how well they treat children at the school.”

Mrs Harvey (45), from Shaw, who has worked at the school for five years, said she was very flattered by the nomination.

She said: “My role is all about bringing down their barriers to learning. Whatever is troubling the children then we go in and solve.

“What she had been through was a pretty unique one but some of what we deal with is quite sensitive as it’s to do with child protection issues. I enjoy the work and the girl is doing really well and looks really happy around school.”

Mrs Harvey also goes into primary schools to help with the transition to secondary school.

The school has a peer mentor group to help new pupils make the transition and the girl now takes part to help other children.

And it’s not just in school that Mrs Harvey helps children as she is also a Brown Owl in the Brownies at St Paul’s, Shaw, which is celebrating its centenary.