A JOB coach who helps teenagers with learning needs find fulfilling work has won a top award.

Angela Spruce, from Hebden Green Community School, has been named outstanding high level teaching assistant of the year in the north west.

She now goes through to the national awards in London in November.

Michelle Gibbs, a wellbeing mentor at the school, rated outstanding by Ofsted inspectors, was also shortlisted for the award and attended the ceremony in Leeds.

Assistant headteacher Stacey Sawacki, said: "Our teaching assistants are more than just teaching assistants, they are experts.

"Our pupils need extra care and they play a crucial role in supporting them. They all do an invaluable job. They are an exceptional team."

The school on Woodford Lane West has 127 pupils, aged two to 19, with a range of very complex physical, medical and learning needs.

A team of around 100, including a high proportion of support staff, work together to ensure each child explores their full potential.

Mrs Spruce liaises with local businesses to develop work experience opportunities and secures jobs for pupils aged 16 and over.

Mrs Sawacki said: "She works in the community promoting our pupils as valuable people in the workforce.

"She invites people into school to talk about different work places and contacts companies to arrange work experience.

"Her role as a job coach is about exploring realistic and aspirational goals that are sustainable for our pupils.

"It is also about breaking down barriers, developing different career routes and broadening their horizons."

Mrs Gibbs helps pupils to improve their social, mental and emotional health.

"It means that pupils leave school understanding themselves, being resilient, hard-working and able to manage their own emotions,"added Mrs Sawacki.

"We see the importance of a holistic approach to our pupils becoming adults. We do all we can to make sure they can access independence.

"Our pupils couldn't learn without the extra support they receive from our teaching assistants.

"We are so glad they are being recognised in these awards. We are very proud of them."