We are very proud to confirm...........

Melanie Whitfield who has dedicated her professional career to supporting young people with an autism spectrum condition has won a prestigious national award.

Melanie is Headteacher at Brookways School in North Cheam which is part of the Kedleston Group of schools and after being shortlisted from hundreds of entries, she was named as finalist in the UK Autism Hero Awards’ Top Education category.

At a glittering awards ceremony held in London, Melanie was named winner in her category.

This is the second time in two years Melanie has been shortlisted in these awards. Last year she was leader of the team from another Kedleston Group school, Leaways, whose Autism Resource for Children (ARC) was a finalist in the Outstanding Achievement in Education category.

Brookways School offers a specialist educational environment to support young people with an autism spectrum condition.

The UK Autism Hero Awards were created by the Anna Kennedy Online Charity as an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the excellence taking place in the world of Autism. They are a unique opportunity to celebrate and showcase accomplishments as well as enhancing Autism awareness and acceptance.

The awards seek to acknowledge the outstanding contributions and achievements of individuals, teams and organisations who have proved excellence, dedication and commitments to impacting lives that have been making a real difference.

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.”

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.”