Teaching Assistant of the Month Award
In our work supporting students with assistive technology, we meet some amazing teaching assistants and other members of school support staff who we would like to acknowledge. The extra work and the skills of these individuals have a huge impact on their students’ learning.
Make a nomination!
We celebratate the achievements of TAs across the Greater London area throughout the school year. If you would like to nominate a TA at your school who deserves special recognition for their hard work and dedication with supporting a CENMAC student with their assistive technology to support their learning and/or communication then let us know! Complete the short 5 minute form.
November 2025
We are delighted to award our November TA of the Month to Sophie Johnston at Hatfeild Primary School. Sophie was nominated by CENMAC’s Deputy Head & QTVI, Mary Long and Maria Motta, Specialist Teacher for Children and Young People with a Vision Impairment at Merton Sensory Support Service.
Mary Long said “Sophie is an amazing support, who goes above and beyond to assist the young person she works with to use their technology. The pupil she supports has no vision and is reliant on using braille to read and record his learning. Sophie has learnt braille herself and has completed lots of training on using the braille device so that she can support her pupil well. She demonstrates a calm and focused approach, and is especially good at troubleshooting when things sometimes don’t go as planned.”
Maria Mota nominated Sophie “For embracing to learn Braille and to use the BrailleNote+ in what she knows confidently and teaching the young person how to use the piece of equipment in English. Still learning, but making huge gains forward with the young person. Sophie is always positive, calm and enthusiastic to learn and teach.”
Jack Canning, Assistant Headteacher at Hatfeild Primary School said “Sophie is a hardworking individual who has always put the needs of the child she supports first. She tailors and adapts individual resources and ensures that their happiness, education and wellbeing at school takes precedence. She supports this child both academically and socially in the classroom and playground and in her role has learnt braille to a highly proficient standard. We are proud to have her as a member of our team.”
Leanne Parkinson, Co-Head of School/DSL said “We are thrilled to celebrate Sophie, who has been nominated for TA of the Month by CENMAC, in recognition of her outstanding support for students using assistive technology. Sophie’s deep knowledge of the child she works with, combined with her motivation to learn about the resources available, ensures that she can integrate assistive technology seamlessly into lessons. She tailors devices and software to meet the student’s individual needs, enabling them to access learning fully, communicate effectively, and thrive both academically and socially.
Her patience, encouragement, and expertise help the student build confidence and independence, while participating alongside their peers. Sophie’s dedication and thoughtful approach have a huge impact on the child’s learning and development, and we are incredibly proud of the difference she makes every day.”
Congratulations Sophie!
October 2025
We are delighted to award our October TA of the Month to Angel Gayadeen at Saint Gabriel’s College. Angel was nominated by CENMAC Advisory Teacher Maureen De Longhi.
Maureen said “I wholeheartedly recommend Angel Gayadeen, HLTA at Saint Gabriel’s College as CENMAC TA of the months, for her exceptional dedication and compassionate support of the students she works with. Angel consistently goes above and beyond when writing referrals, ensuring each one is thoughtful, well-researched. She takes the time to look up key details and includes relevant examples, giving the referrals the best possible chance of success so that her students can get the support they need.
She attends assessments personally, learns how to use their equipment, and ensures she can offer meaningful, hands-on assistance. Her caring nature creates a comfortable environment for pupils, allowing them to feel seen and supported.
Angel is a true advocate for the young people at Saint Gabriel’s, and the students really benefit from her unwavering support.”
Congratulations Angel!