A NEWPORT teaching assistant is in the running for a top award.

Leanne Parfitt, who works at St Julians School, is a Wales finalist for Teaching Assistant of the Year in the 2011 Pearson Teaching Awards.

Ms Parfitt, who has worked at the school for 12 years, said she was shocked and delighted to have been nominated by headteacher Stephen Marshall.

Ms Parfitt, 30, of Beechwood, works as a support assistant for children with additional learning needs, accompanying them to lessons and helping them develop their reading and literacy skills.

She said: “It’s a bit embarrassing all the fuss, but it’s such an honour. It’s a bit of recognition for the role which is very enjoyable and rewarding but is hard work.

“I love my job and doing what I do, I don’t need this to enjoy it but all the pupils are over the moon.”

Ms Parfitt will now have to wait until later in the summer term to find out if she has won the coveted award, which will be revealed at a presentation at the school.

The Teaching Awards were founded 12 years ago by Lord Puttnam CBE to pay tribute to education professionals who make positive achievements with pupils.