Melanie Whitfield is Headteacher at Brookways School in North Cheam, a specialist school for children with autism. In recognition of her work at the school, Melanie has awarded the Education Professional of the Year Award at the recent National Autism Society Autism Professional Awards.

The school is one of 13 specialist schools and homes run by Kedleston Group, and opened less than two years ago. This award marks a duo of prestigious awards wins for Melanie who also won a UK Autism Hero Award last year.

Her school, Brookways, offers a specialist educational environment to support young people with an autism spectrum condition and was also a finalist in the NAS Autism Professional Awards Team of the Year category.

The Autism Professionals Awards annually recognise and reward services and professionals who are leading the way in innovative autism practice and making a real difference to the lives of autistic people in the UK.

Melanie said: “It was an honour simply to have been nominated, but to have won this wonderful award is truly humbling. It is a privilege to work with the young people, their families and the staff team here at Brookways every day.

“The team at the school, the children and their families all work together so closely, and work incredibly hard, to create the best possible environment for students – one where they can thrive. None of the progress our young people make would be possible without that huge combined effort.”

Lee Reed, Chief Operating Officer at Kedleston, said: “Melanie and her team go above and beyond to make sure the young people at Brookways receive all they need to get the best out of their education and their progress and happiness speak for themselves. We’re delighted the work of Melanie and her team has been recognised in this way.”