Winner: Susan and Nigel Moore, King Edward VI Comprehensive School Susan and Nigel Moore are such a vital part of life of King Edward VI School in Morpeth that they are never referred to individually, students say. Susan is the school's head of learning support, while her husband is a senior learning support assistant, meaning that they work together for the whole of the school day. Colleagues say they have a "remarkable" way of calming and encouraging even the most difficult students, as well as acting as "gurus" for other staff. Acting headteacher Ian Wilkinson said: "I can honestly say that Susan and Nigel are among the most consistent and reliable members of staff I work with. Susan is a great leader of her team and the students in her care. Both Susan and Nigel are incredibly enthusiastic and passionate about her students. They are both totally reliable and ensure that everything in their department runs like clockwork. They are fantastic role models for other staff and our students and they always go the extra mile in their work for the school." --------------------------------------------------------- Runner up: Valerie Barnes, Kelvin Grove Community School Valerie Barnes, as school administrator, plays a "vital" role in the running of Kelvin Grove Community School. She has been at the Gateshead school for more than two decades, starting work each day at 7.30am and regularly still being there at 5pm. After 20 years at Kelvin Grove, Valerie knows the families in the local community better than most. Many new parents were once pupils themselves and she provides a link between the generations. In addition to her administrative role, Valerie is a midday supervisor, runs an after-school gym club and is also a member of the school's governing body. Headteacher Jan Skelton said: "The school has undergone many changes in 20 years: new families, new staff and even a new building. "But the one person who embodies the Kelvin Grove ethos of care and commitment has been every present. Valerie Barnes has done so much for this school and we would like to do something in return." --------------------------------------------------------- Runner up: Jean Dixon, Chopwell Primary School Jean Dixon has worked as a lunchtime supervisor at Chopwell Primary School in Gateshead for more than 15 years. She works hard to ensure that lunchtime is a happy and safe place for everyone and that the dining hall runs like clockwork, allowing the teaching staff to have an uninterrupted break. She is described as a "huge asset" to the school and has excellent relationships with everyone at Chopwell. Headteacher Bernadette Fellowes-Prynne said: "Mrs Dixon's generosity stems from her love for the children of Chopwell and for Chopwell Primary School. It has been a constant feature of our lives for so long that we all just take it for granted. "It would be lovely for Mrs Dixon to receive the recognition she deserves and this award would go part way to saying `thank you' for everything she has given us." | 
Northumberland