Memorable trip to meet Prime Minister for '˜Super Cooper'

A popular teaching assistant, affectionately known at her Mansfield Woodhouse school as '˜Super Cooper', was treated to a memorable day at number 10 Downing Street, where she met the Prime Minister.
Teaching assistant Sue Cooper outside number 10 Downing Street with Mansfield's MP, Ben Bradley.Teaching assistant Sue Cooper outside number 10 Downing Street with Mansfield's MP, Ben Bradley.
Teaching assistant Sue Cooper outside number 10 Downing Street with Mansfield's MP, Ben Bradley.

Sue Cooper, who has been at Northfield Primary and Nursery School for 40 years, was one of many teaching staff up and down the country who were thanked at a national awards ceremony for their work.

She was nominated by children at the school, and was shocked to receive her invitation from the chairman of the governors, Neil Woodcock, during a visit there by Mansfield’s MP, Ben Bradley, who arranged the trip to London.

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“It was an amazing experience and one that I will remember forever,” said Mrs Cooper. “Not many people get to meet the Prime Minister, let alone speak to her.

“If it wasn’t for Northfield and all its staff and fantastic children, I would not have been nominated. I would like to thank Mr Bradley for making me feel important and going above and beyond to ensure my time at number 10 was memorable.”

At the reception, Theresa May personally thanked all the teaching staff for their hard work, and emphasised the important role they play in enabling children to fulfil their potential.

Mr Bradley said: “I was thrilled to invite Sue to number 10 to thank her for her amazing work she has done in 40 years as a teaching assistant at Northfield.

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“When I went to visit the school, I was blown away by the love the staff and pupils showed towards her. No wonder she is known as ‘Super Cooper’!

“Teachers are at the heart of a great education, and it’s down to the hard work of people like Sue that more young people are being given the opportunity to succeed.”

Mr Bradley also pointed out that education standards are rising fast in Mansfield. A total of 86 per cent of schools in the town were now rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED, which was an increase from 54 per cent in 2010.