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A retired Pontefract teaching assistant has been honoured for her work supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Pat Hetherington received the NASEN (the National Association for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Award for Learning Support Staff Member in recognition of her service supporting students with SEND as a teaching assistant, learning mentor and a higher level teaching assistant.

Mrs Hetherington, a Pontefract resident, retired in the summer following 24 years of work across a range of primary and secondary settings, including most recently at Minsthorpe Community College in South Elmsall.

She received this award in recognition of her significant role in working with Key Stage 3 students with Social and Emotional needs. This mainly focused around the “Stepback” project, which she led for five years, supporting young people on placements and equipping even the most vulnerable children with the skills to thrive.

Patricia Hetherington of Pontefract accepting her NASEN award at the ceremony in Birmingham

The award was judged by a panel of leading professionals with a wealth of experience in education and SEND – as well as individuals with lived experience.

Speaking of her win, Mrs Hetherington said: “I am humbled to receive an award for doing something that I rarely saw as a job.

"Seeing students overcome barriers and difficulties and thus being able to return to education is an amazing reward in itself. To be given an award for this shows the appreciation others have for the work done by individuals with students who need a different approach to help them be the best version of themselves they can be. It's a testament that others care.”

Chief Executive of NASEN, Annamarie Hassall, said: “Patricia should be extremely proud of what she has achieved over the past three decades.

"Our judges were hugely inspired by her tireless commitment to learners and how she has consistently gone above and beyond for the young people in her care. She will leave a brilliant legacy behind her.”

For more information on the NASEN Awards, and to find out more about the winners, visit: www.nasen.org.uk/awards or follow #nasenAwards2022

Pontefract teaching assistant wins award for her work supporting children and young people with SEND