Long-serving teaching assistant from Raunds celebrates being hailed a 'Trinity Treasure'

A mum who had asked for a job reference from a school and ended up as a teaching assistant has marked 25 years in the role.

Joss Middleton started as chair of Trinity CE Aldwincle Primary School's pre-school, helping readers in the main school where her two sons attended.

It was when she asked for a reference for a position at another school that she was snapped up and trained to be a higher level teaching assistant (HTLA).

Headteacher Tom Burrows said: "For 25 years, Joss has impacted on the lives of hundreds of children who have attended our school. Her warm and friendly nature makes the children feel so welcome at school.

"In addition to her roles at school as a HLTA and running our breakfast club, she is also known for her ability in creating wonderful displays that further enhance the school environment.

"The children and the staff love working with Joss and I know the parents appreciate how much she does for the children. We congratulate and thank her for 25 years of working at Trinity."

Mrs Middleton's much sought-after skills include Maypole dancing, her love and passion for reading and producing amazing classroom displays.

A family affair, her two sons Christopher and Matthew both attended the school with husband David having coached the school football teams.

Working with more than eight headteachers, Mrs Middleton still gets up in the morning enthusiastic about her job.

Colleagues have described her as 'absolutely amazing', 'caring', 'wonderful', and 'the heart and soul of the school' as well as the 'Trinity Treasure'.

She said: "When you work in such a wonderful school as Trinity - with its warm feeling - I feel blessed to work with the members of staff. I think of them as a family.

"It's been a privilege to work with the children, parents and carers at the school. I taught children who have grown up and brought their children to the school because they still believe that Trinity is the best.

"Being an HLTA is so rewarding every day, I never feel like I don't want to come to work. We are all one team."

Mrs Middleton, 55, who lives in Raunds, was presented with a bottle of Champagne, some vouchers and a bouquet from the school.

Children cheered her 25-year milestone at an online celebration assembly.

Colleague Natasha Corstin said: "What an amazing achievement, Mrs Middleton is the most caring, genuine and loving person I have ever had the pleasure of working with.

"Her nurturing nature is reflected in her teaching and relationship she shares with students and staff alike. Trinity would not be Trinity without Mrs Middleton’s sunshine."