The impact of Higher Level Teaching Assistants recognised at University awards ceremony

University of Northampton awards celebrate the work of Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA) from across the East Midlands.

The HLTA awards celebrate the contribution of teaching assistants who have gained Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status through the University of Northampton. The initiative is a partnership between the East Midlands Regional Provider of Assessment and the HLTA National Assessment Partnership, and seeks to recognise the valuable role HLTAs play in schools.

At the awards ceremony in Leicester (30 June 2016), Sue Brown from Malcolm Sargent School, Stamford was awarded the East Midlands Outstanding HLTA of the Year Award 2016. Sue was joined by three other HLTAs who were nominated for their outstanding work.

A panel of education professionals received nominations from schools across the East Midlands, which were narrowed down to a short-list of four outstanding candidates; Sue Brown from Malcolm Sargent Primary School, Stamford, Lincolnshire, Jill Clarke from Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School, Dronfield, Derbyshire, Tracey Sandford from Lutterworth College, Lutterworth, Leicestershire and Sarah Streeton from The Pingle School, Swadlingcote, Derbyshire. The finalists all demonstrated their contribution to advancing pupils’ learning, aspirations and their commitment to the wider school community; as well as their commitment to continued professional learning development.

Sue received the award for her use of specialist knowledge and training in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) to support children with a range of complex needs to fulfil their potential, as well as her contribution to school life; from helping to run and attend sporting events, to utilising her creativity, painting murals around the school and created props for plays. Hailed as an inspirational colleague by senior staff, Sue’s thoughtful, supportive and enthusiastic approach to school life is recognised with this award.

Wendy Yarnall, Senior Lecturer in Education commented: “The panel was most impressed by the standard of work and commitment evidenced in the nominations which were made by senior colleagues at their schools and we commend all the finalists. It is clear that HLTAs are highly regarded members of staff and play a key role within their school community which impacts directly on the learning and life chances of the pupils they work with. Sue will now go on to represent the East Midlands region at the National HLTA of the Year Award, which will be presented in London in November 2016.”