Rainford High’s teaching assistant wins prestigious award

A teaching assistant from Rainford High was recently named School Support Star of the Year at the Educate Awards. 

Miss Greenway was nominated by her colleague Kate Thomas, assistant SENCO at the school. In her nomination, Mrs Thomas wrote how Miss Greenway is one of the most supportive, approachable and proactive members of the team. 

Mrs Thomas explained how Miss Greenway is always available to support the other teaching assistants and is great at supporting her colleagues, as well as offering advice to newer staff members including apprentices. 

Miss Greenway mainly works in Rainford’s Core Curriculum provision with students of varying ages with special educational needs and disabilities. 

She consistently sets high expectations for her students so that they can achieve their best at their pace. She goes above and beyond to get to know each student and find the right intervention for them to progress. 

Miss Greenway said: “Before I began working at Rainford High I was a part time youth support worker. I started at the school in September 2011, so I am currently in my tenth academic year at the school, supporting various students with a wide variety of special educational needs.   

“Over the course of the last ten years my career has progressed, and I have now become a Level 3 teaching assistant.” 

Miss Greenway continued: “I really enjoy all aspects of my job at Rainford High, but a few highlights are working with an amazing team of staff and supporting all of students.  I feel a massive sense of achievement seeing the students progressing and gaining various qualifications, via the support I have given them.” 

Speaking about the win, Miss Greenway said: “I am over the moon to win the School Support Star of the Year 2020 Award which is an amazing achievement for me, and I am so overwhelmed and proud to have won. 

“I was shocked when I received the news that I had been shortlisted for the award, but even more shocked when they announced I had won, during the live Educate Awards ceremony on YouTube. I am so grateful to all the staff and students at Rainford High for giving me the many opportunities and for the recognition of this award. I will display my award with pride!” 

Principal Ian Young said: “We are all so proud of Miss Greenway. She is fully deserving of this award as she has been nothing but committed to our students since she joined us a decade ago. 

“She not only supports our young people but also goes out of her way to help other staff within the school. Congratulations Miss Greenway!”