AN East Cornwall teaching assistant is in the running for winning the top spot as Cornwall’s teaching assistant of the year.

Helen Speare, who is a teaching assistant at Delaware Primary Academy, has been shortlisted in the Teaching Assistant of the Year category of the Cornwall Teacher Awards 2017.

The Cornwall Teacher Awards recognise and reward inspirational and outstanding teachers, head teachers, teaching assistants, school support workers and volunteers who make a difference to children and young people in Cornwall.

Helen was nominated, unknown to her, by a fellow teaching assistant.

She said: ‘One of the other TAs nominated me — it was a complete surprise. I’m not normally one who likes to be in the limelight, but I’m quite honoured that someone thinks that much of me to nominate me.’

Head teacher Lynn Nash told Helen in a recent assembly that she had made the shortlist for the award.

Helen said: ‘It was amazing, but I don’t think I do anything different from the other TAs in the school. I’ve been a teaching assistant at the school for 17 years — it’s a long time. I’ve worked primarily with the foundation children. I feel it is such an honour to work with the smallest members of the school community.’

Lynn Nash added: ‘We are absolutely delighted that Helen’s hard work and commitment have been recognised. We obviously wish her all the best in the awards — and hope that she wins!’

The Cornwall Teacher Awards 2017 will be announced at a ceremony at Truro Cathedral on April 21. Helen will be attending with her husband to find out how she has done.