AN INSPIRATIONAL teaching assistant has shot straight to the top of the class.

Sharon Downes of Puddletown First School has received the gold award for teaching assistant of the year in the Pearson Teaching Awards.

She was handed the accolade – dubbed the Oscars of the teaching world – at a ceremony in London this evening.

Sharon was one of just eleven teachers from across the country to win a ‘Gold Plato’ at the Pearson Teaching Awards, which was presented by Olympic British rower Heather Stanning.

The ceremony is now set to be broadcast on BBC2’s Britain’s Classroom Heroes at 6pm on Sunday, October 29.

Sharon was nominated for the accolade by pupils, parents and colleagues from her school.

They said she supports the learning and emotional wellbeing of her children in the most, outstanding, imaginative and inspirational ways, whether this is through producing high quality displays around the classroom, undertaking the responsibility for first aid, driving the school minibus, running a book club at break times, and keeping photographic records of the children’s learning experiences.

She also provides a cooked lunch for all the staff (off her own back) every Wednesday in addition to making delicious cakes and treats when she feels the staff need them.

When a Year 4 teacher went on long-term sick, the headteacher commented how Sharon was “the glue that held it together”.

The children had many different teachers during that time, but Sharon was a constant support, adapting to each teachers style and working with them to make sure the children had continuous support.

The Pearson Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of exceptional teachers and teaching. Founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam, they recognise the life-changing impact of an inspirational teacher on the lives of the young people they teach.

Michael Morpurgo, children’s author and president of the Pearson’s Teaching Awards said: “Teachers are the quiet heroes.

“By telling their stories, by highlighting their skill and dedication, we can do some justice to them and to the whole profession.”

Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said: “Great teaching improves the life chances of our children.

“It’s an incredibly tough, pressured and wearing job.

“Teachers deserve all the support we can give them, now more than ever. That’s why these Pearson Teaching Awards are important.”