Outstanding Teaching Assistants Honoured

HLTAs from across the region were nominated by school colleagues for their excellence in advancing the learning of pupils, working effectively as part of the school community and bringing expertise to the staff team.

The award for the Outstanding Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) of the year was introduced in 2010 by Carnegie Leaders in Learning, based at Leeds Metropolitan University, to commemorate the sudden and tragic death in 2009 of a much loved and respected colleague, Peter Sutherland from North Yorkshire Local Authority.

Awards were presented to HLTAs from the three regions of the North of England: North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber at a celebration event at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium. Shortlisted HLTAs, their guests and a senior representative of their school attended the ceremony.

The award for Yorkshire and Humber was presented by Margaret Christian, Director of Carnegie Leaders in Learning, who commented: "It was a privilege and a pleasure to present the HLTA of the year award to Andrew Carter. The room was full of winners as all shortlisted candidates are making a huge difference to the lives of children and young people in our region."

HLTA status is a national status awarded by the Training and Development Agency. It was introduced in 2004 and over 40 000 teaching assistants nationally have now achieved the status. In order to gain HLTA status candidates have to undertake a rigorous assessment process during which they have to demonstrate that they meet 33 professional standards in their work. Carnegie Leaders in Learning is the home of the Regional Provider of Assessment in the North of England.

Peter Sutherland worked tirelessly to raise the profile of HLTAs within North Yorkshire and to ensure that the deployment of HLTAs in schools was instrumental in making a difference for children and young people. Peter was hugely respected by colleagues in other Local Authorities and was very committed to supporting colleagues and sharing good practice.

Carnegie Leaders in Learning is a partnership between Leeds Metropolitan University and CCDU Ltd and was created as a centre of excellence for leadership development opportunities for the children and young people's workforce.