Northampton Alumni scoops national Higher Level Teaching Assistant Award

Sue Brown, University of Northampton Alumni, who works at Malcolm Sargent School, Stamford, has scoped a top national award recognising the role of Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) within schools across the country.

In a ceremony held in Westminster last week, Sue received the Outstanding HLTA of the Year title for 2016 from Andrew Mitchell MP. Sue was chosen from a pool of nine regional winners chosen earlier in the year.

The Outstanding HLTA award is now in its fourth year and is aimed at teaching assistants who have gained HLTA status and who go above and beyond the call of duty to demonstrate the vital role that HLTAs play within schools.

Speaking about the award Sue said: “I am absolutely delighted to have won HLTA of the Year 2016 and would like to thank HLTA National Assessment Partnership (HNAP) for choosing me!  It was very apparent after meeting the regional winners that we are a very diverse bunch and to have made the final at all is a great honour.  I’m very proud to be an HLTA and in my opinion the work we do in school is invaluable.  That’s why it has been so lovely to receive the recognition, along with the other nominees, for all our hard work over and above, for the job we all love so much!”

Her colleagues at Malcolm Sargent School describe Sue as “an inspirational colleague who is thoughtful, supportive and dedicated.” They put Sue forward for the award citing the critical role she plays in supporting children throughout the school which includes outstanding work to support children with special needs, running and attending sporting events and using her creativity to plan and deliver art projects and lessons.

The Outstanding HLTA of the Year Award is organised by the HLTA National Assessment Partnership (HNAP), an organisation made up of the four regional assessment providers, one of which is the University of Northampton, that work together to manage and quality assure the assessment of standards for HLTAs across England.

Professor Richard Rose, chairman of HNAP and Professor of Inclusive Education at the University of Northampton, said: “Sue had to meet a range of exacting criteria set by the judging panel, including demonstrating high aspirations for each pupil, a firm belief in pupils’ abilities and a strong commitment to pupils’ progress, as well as a continuing commitment to her own professional learning and development.

“Without exception the work of the candidates shortlisted for this prestigious award was praised by their professional colleagues who recognise the outstanding contribution which HLTAs make to their schools and to the lives of children, families and teachers.”