Anita is employed as an Enhanced Teaching Assistant at Catchgate Primary School.  Her nominee has stated “Anita screams ambitious!  Anita always seems to strive for more out of not just the children, but simultaneously, she gets everything out of staff as well which is such an important trait as she improves everyone around her and it gives you great pride in your day-to-day work. Anita has helped me to better myself and to be the best version of me I can and will be.

Adam is employed as Trust’s strategic Data Manager.  Adam’s nominee has stated that he is incredibly self-motivated, always willing to offer help when needed.  Adam knows his role inside out - very on the ball. 

Rachel is employed as an Assistant Head Teacher at Pelton Primary Schools.  She has expertise and has supported Trust wide Nursery development work.  For example, she has provided a great deal of support in relation to the opening of the Nursery at Castleside Primary School.  Her nominee has stated that “Rachel is ambitious about the success of Pelton and its Pupils”. 

Sarah is employed as an Assistant HR advisor within the central team.  Sarah’s nominee has stated “this year Sarah has achieved a distinction in her professional qualification this year through her hard work and dedication.  These are qualities she also applies at work where she is always trying to make improvements to systems and process so they work better for everyone”.  Sarah has excelled this year in developing the HR system. 

Andrew is employed as a Pastoral Support Manager within Wellfield School.  Andrew’s nominee has stated that Andrew “always works well as part of a team, always pitches in when it's a busy day or there's lots of events on in school”. 

Josie is employed as an Enhanced Teaching Assistant at Castleside School, and she supports across the whole school and also runs Breakfast and After School Clubs.  Her nominee has stated that in relation to Josie “nothing is ever a problem to Josie. She goes above and beyond to help, frequently working beyond her hours. She is also amazing at organising resources to help the day to day running of school.

Michelle is employed as an Enhanced Teaching Assistant at Catchgate Primary School.  Michele always seems to pick up whenever anything goes wrong. She is always front-footed to a situation and strives to get the best outcome for all involved, she always is positive, infectious with her humour and quips, all whilst never being shy in helping people. Michelle helps people constantly; whether it be with advice, help with looking after children, or any general help needed, she is such a team player. 

Sharon is employed as an Assistant SENCO.  Her nominee has stated that “Sharon has been an absolute asset in SEN support department be that of staff and students. She has gone above and beyond in the level of support she has offered me with being new to the role and trust.

Leanne has flourished in her role as HLTA at Pelton Primary School,  creating a bespoke and adapted provision of the highest quality within our in-school provision called Stepping Stones. She works extremely hard and effectively to create and foster an inclusive environment in school whereby she supports some of the highest needs within our school.  She has taken an idea of inclusion and made it her ow..  Not only do the stepping stones team support our school but they also invite others schools to come and observe and share ideas with them so they too can adapt this offer too. Her devotion to giving children what they need and deserve is unwavering and the children benefit hugely from this incredible provision.

Rachel is employed as a HLTA at North Durham Academy, and she works closely with students of varying needs, some extremely challenging. Her first nominee stated that she treats every student with upmost respect and despite their extreme range of difficulties, equally. This can be said also in her ability to work collaboratively with student success firmly in forefront of her mind. Her second nominee stated that Rachel is very kind and caring. She has been very inclusive with the students at NDA helping the SEN students a lot and being very warm and welcoming for the new starters of the school. She has also been very open and inclusive for newer staff, helping us with different activities and providing guidance.

Megan is employed as an Enhanced Teaching Assistant at Beamish Primary School.  Her nominee has stated that she “goes above and beyond every day to make sure all of the children in our care feel valued. She speaks to all of the children she encounters in a kind and thoughtful manner. She is a credit to our wonderful school!”

Amy is the Head of Maths at North Durham Academy.  Shehas worked incredibly hard this year to build a positive team, whilst managing the stresses and demands of running a department.  She is incredibly supportive and works incredibly hard.

Gary is employed as the Trust Operations Manager.  Gary had a serious illness at the beginning of the year which required significant surgery, despite this he has maintained a successful service and managed projects to completion. 

A further nominee stated that Gary manages the operations of the Trust, he deals with everything which is thrown at him in a clam resilient manner. 

Yet another nominee stated that Gary does such a tough job covering all our schools and dealing with a huge range of issues.  In my experience he always does so with patience and good humour.

Jacklyn is employed as Tom’s Personal Assistant, you need to be resilient to do this role.  Her nominee stated that Jacklyn is “always positive and always completes all tasks within her role but also help with anything staff need that fall outside of her role when she is able to support.

Kath is employed as an Enhanced Teaching Assistant at Pelton Community Primary School.  Kath is such a positive influence on the whole school community, she encourages all staff to see troubled children through a trauma informed approach.  She helps us all to be the best versions of ourselves and she encourages kindness at every level.  Kath is such a valued member of our team and supports the most difficult children to feel loved and safe when they are with us.

Bethany is employed as Wellfield’s Finance Assistant and despite being new to the Trust this academic year, Bethany has gone above and beyond whilst being the single point of contact for Finance at Wellfield for much of 2024. Her adaptability, positive attitude and willingness to rise to any challenge are a credit to her. She has been an amazing asset to the School, in her first year.

Charlotte is employed as the Head of English at North Durham Academy.  Charlotte is relentless in what she does for staff and students at NDA. 

A nominee has stated that “Charlotte demonstrates all of our values. Charlotte shows real resilience with each issue that arises and handles this with a mixture of sensitivity, humour and a solution-focused approach. Never afraid to identify issues, Charlotte leads her team collaboratively to find solutions and consequently builds a strong team. She is ambitious for her students and has high expectations for their success in English.

Debbie is employed as a Senior Admin Officer at North Durham Academy.  She is always there to lend a hand in the toughest of situations and will always do so in a kind, respectful and helpful manner.

Emily is employed as Maths Teacher at Wellfield School, her nominee has stated that she will always go out of her way to check on me and giving me boosts of confidence.

Aaron is currently employed a Deputy Head Teacher at Consett Academy.  Aaron has an amazing link and always is very respectful to anyone he comes in contact with. No matter how ridiculous the problem or irate the person presenting it - Aaron is always calm, professional, considerate and understanding.  He treats everyone with the same genuine care and respect and as such is a highly valued and greatly respected member of the whole school team.

Michelle is Beamish Primary’s School Business Manager, she is always polite, approachable and willing to help and support the team. This has been evident during the major refurbishment works at Beamish Primary.