NAOMI Simpson, who started teaching at Hazelbeck Special School last year, was named winner of the Newcomer of the Year Award.

Miss Simpson was previously a TA in Southfield Special School in Bradford before starting her NQT year at Hazelbeck in Bingley in September.

She teaches a class of children with very complex sensory needs.

Deputy head of the school Beth McPhail describes her as “a really enthusiastic teacher who takes the time to really get to know the students.

“You can tell she wants to know what makes them tick and what will work for them to help them make progress.”

Initially she thought her nomination had been a joke, and added: “It doesn’t really feel like a job, it’s the most rewarding thing.”

Visibly shocked when her name was announced by Jenn Plews from Northern Lights School Centred Initial Teacher Training, she said to host Charlotte Leeming: “It is overwhelming.

“My students face so many barriers in learning, but come in every day with a huge smile on their face. We can all learn from them.

“I just love my job.”

After leaving the stage with her award, she was asked by the T&A how she felt, and responded: “I just don’t have any words, I’m shocked.

“I did this for the school. They have been nothing but supportive and I couldn’t have done any of this without them.

“I can’t wait to tell my mum about this.

“The other nominees were so deserving, I can’t believe it.

“I don’t do my job to win awards. These children have very serious needs, but they deserve an education as much as anyone else.”

The category was sponsored by Northern Lights School Centred Initial Teacher Training.

l Honourable mention:

Emma Wilde, Dixons Allerton Academy

Hazel Namvar, St Luke’s CofE Primary School