Kirkby teaching assistant shines in award scheme

Leanne Peat from Kirkby College Academy, Kirkby in Ashfield, made the final in the University of Northampton’s East Midlands Outstanding Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Awards.

The accolade is open to teaching assistants who have achieved higher level status through the university.

The qualification means they can take on some full class teaching activities under the guidance of a teacher.

A panel of education professionals from a range of settings within the region narrowed candidates down to a shortlist of four.

Candidates were judged on a number of criteria.

These included their contribution to furthering pupils’ learning by using their own specialist knowledge, and their commitment to the wider school community and own professional development.

Wendy Yarnall, HLTA Project Manager, East Midlands, commented: “The panel was most impressed by the standard of work and commitment evidenced in the nominations.

“It is clear that HLTAs are highly regarded by their school colleagues and that they play a key role within their school community which impacts directly on the learning and life chances of the pupils they work with.”

Leanne and other finalists attended a special presentation event at the university.

On the day, the top award was won by Jayne Brierley, who works at a school in Loughborough.

The awards initiative is a partnership between the East Midlands Regional Provider of Assessment and the HLTA National Assessment Partnership.

Its aim is to recognise the valuable role HLTAs play in schools whose managers determine their particular responsibilities .