A rallying cry to encourage more people to become classroom assistants in primary, secondary and special schools in the city has been launched by Portsmouth City Council, who are holding an information event at Portsmouth Central Library on Tuesday 1 November 2022 from 10am – 1pm.

Teach Portsmouth, a Portsmouth City Council initiative to train and recruit the best professionals for the city’s schools, is organising the event for people to learn more about careers in the classroom at a time when many vacancies remain unfilled.

Many of the vacancies are a result of people retiring from the profession or a lack of awareness about the type of roles available.

Cllr Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:

“Despite a successful trial event in July, the demand for classroom assistants continues to increase. This is the perfect opportunity to discover how you can progress a career in the classroom.

“Whether that’s wanting a role that’s flexible around the school day or you want to progress into teaching, this event gives those in attendance a realistic picture of the careers available and how they can shape a child’s life.”

A trial event held in July saw over 50 people attend with many saying conversations with classroom assistants were a source of inspiration. Those in attendance were able to speak to training providers and browse job vacancies.

Mike Stoneman, deputy director for children’s services and education at Portsmouth City Council, said:

“The need to recruit and retain classroom teaching assistants to support children and young people has not gone away. It’s important we hire the right person for the role. While it is incredibly rewarding, working with pupils can be challenging.

“The role needs someone who is compassionate but also resilient. No day is ever the same and you will get a sense of the impact you are having straight away. Teachers will work alongside you to best identify the support pupils need to fulfil their potential.”

While not always a requirement to start a career supporting pupils, many schools in Portsmouth will require individuals to have a level 2 qualification in English and maths. Adult education providers, The Learning Place and City of Portsmouth College, will be on hand to talk about training and apprenticeships.

The information event is open to anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a teaching assistant. People are encouraged to choose one of two sessions held on Tuesday 1 November 2022. The first (10am – 11.30am) and the second (11:30am to 1pm) are located on the third floor of Portsmouth Central Library.

To find out more about the event and to register for free tickets, visit www.teachportsmouth.co.uk/TA or search Teach Portsmouth.

A conference for senior leaders in schools will celebrate Portsmouth becoming a priority education investment area on Wednesday 5 October 2022 from 9am – 1pm at the Village Hotel.

The Portsmouth Education Partnership strategic conference invites education professionals to reflect on the previous academic year and to look ahead and learn more about the big plans we have to address the key issues that are affecting education in Portsmouth. Those who attend are encouraged to contribute during discussions and watch presentations from local and regional experts to help shape the partnership’s work moving forwards.

Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:

“It’s fantastic to be back together again to celebrate last year’s successes but also look ahead to the future. Portsmouth is the only city in the south to be selected as a new priority education investment area. This will mean much needed investment for the city and the opportunity to really build on what we have achieved so far as a partnership and to go further and make that step change that will see a significant improvement in outcomes for children and young people.

“I can’t wait to meet the school leaders from across the partnership as we work collaboratively to support children, young people and families in the city.”

Portsmouth has been selected as one of 24 priority education investment areas (PEIA) by the Department for Education. Delegates at the conference will join the conversation and help shape how we can benefit from some of the £42 million that will be allocated across the 24 priority areas over the next three years.

Mike Stoneman, deputy director of children’s services and education at Portsmouth City Council said:

“The news that Portsmouth has been designated as a priority education investment area is an important step for us which has the potential to help further improve education outcomes for the city’s children and young people. Our aim is to draw upon the expertise of local partners and stakeholders to shape how we allocate the funding.

“We are still at the initial stages and hope senior leaders will join our efforts to maximise this opportunity at the conference.”

Alongside presentations on the PEIA, colleagues will also learn about how partners are working hard to improve literacy outcomes, attendance and reducing suspensions as well as information on digital learning, school leadership and effectiveness. We will also be welcoming Ofsted who will do an update on changes to the Ofsted handbook and what to expect in 2022/23.

A networking lunch from 1pm – 2pm will offer colleagues a chance to discuss agenda items and reflect on the day’s event.

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A new initiative to inspire people to ‘support their classroom’ as a teaching assistant has launched with a special event, organised by Portsmouth City Council, at Portsmouth Central Library on Tuesday 5 July from 10am – 12pm.

The event will introduce a group of learning support assistants, a head teacher and training provider who will encourage attendees to work in a Portsmouth school as a teaching assistant.

The council’s Teach Portsmouth team, who work to recruit and retain the best teachers and leaders for the city’s schools and academies, have organised the event to raise the profile of support staff and the important role they play in helping children and young people in the classroom.

The event is a first step towards encouraging those interested in joining the profession at a time when many schools are experiencing challenges in recruiting support staff.

Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:

“Since the pandemic, it has become clear that schools across the city have struggled to recruit teaching assistants. The reasons vary from people retiring from their roles to less people applying for vacancies.

“By working with key partners, Portsmouth can raise awareness of the need and address the shortfall in staff. The information event is an opportunity to hear about the rewards and challenges of the role, giving those in attendance a realistic picture of what to expect when they step into the classroom and to understand the transformational impact they can have on a child’s life.”

Working in a support role provides flexibility enabling people to fit their schedule around family life. Those who step into a support role also have an opportunity to progress into a more specialist or senior position.

Mike Stoneman, deputy director for children’s services and education at Portsmouth City Council said:

“Many people who become a teaching assistant join for different reasons. They may have children attending the school or live close to one. Others will join because they want to progress in education.

“At the centre of these reasons, everyone who applies for this type of role will want to help children and young people become the best versions of themselves. By shining a light on this career, we hope more people will apply and support pupils locally.”

Adult education provider, The Learning Place will be on hand to talk about training and apprenticeships for those who require a level 2 qualification in English and maths.

The information event is open to anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a teaching assistant. There is no need to register in advance. There are two sessions. The first session begins at 10am with the second at 11am. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions during the event as well.

To find out more about the event, visit www.teachportsmouth.co.uk/TA or search Teach Portsmouth.

A surprise award giving outside Portsmouth Guildhall recognised school and college staff who have worked for 20 years or more in the city.

The Teach Portsmouth Awards take place on Thursday 9 June at Portsmouth Guildhall showcasing the efforts of teachers, learning support assistants, teams and head teachers in 10 award categories. The long service award is the only category that is not shortlisted with all recipients receiving a trophy.

In total, 84 people have been recognised for their long service to education with 25 people attending the surprise gathering in Guildhall Square.

Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:

“Working in a school or college provides a rewarding career for many people supporting children and young people. Times change but the role of educating people continues with many people enjoying long careers in the city.

“The fact 84 colleagues have been recognised is a testament to their resilience and professionalism. Their dedication to the city’s families is incredible. I would like to thank you for all that you do – your efforts have not gone unnoticed.”

Jennifer Robinson, a teacher at Ark Dickens Primary Academy started her career as a 1-1 teaching assistant. In her supporting statement, her colleague said that her passion for educating pupils was obvious as soon as she set foot in the classroom. Jennifer said:

“When my colleague told me I had been put forward for the long service award it quickly became clear how far I have come in my career. I love my job and feel inspired every day. It can be challenging but I enjoy it. The rewards, when seeing each child grow in confidence, are a reminder of why I chose this career. I believe in encouraging children to take risks, use resilience, and to aspire to be their best, this has been my goal throughout my teaching journey so far.”

Erika Anders, assistant headteacher at Mayfield School knew teaching was for her after leaving university. She joined the school in July 2001 as a PE teacher. She progressed quickly from head of girls’ PE to her current role of assistant head teacher, overseeing special educational needs and safeguarding. Erika said:

“Since leaving university, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. It has been the driving force behind my career in education so far and continues to be a big part of my life, with my own children attending Mayfield School too!

“Being recognised for long service to education is a wonderful feeling. It shows you are appreciated for all your hard work and dedication.”

Mike Stoneman, deputy director for children, families and education said:

“The long service award celebrates everyone in the school and college community. From teachers to receptionists and head teachers to site managers, this award recognises their resilience and professionalism over two decades.

“It’s not often we pause for a moment and recognise their immense efforts over a sustained period. Their impact on the Portsmouth community is immeasurable. I hope this award goes someway to shining a light on their incredible work.”

The Teach Portsmouth Awards support the work of the Portsmouth Education Partnership by celebrating the achievements of school and college staff. In turn, this helps the city keep teaching talent local which ensures children and young people receive the best education possible.

While there is no overall winner in the long service award category, those in attendance at the award giving will be part of a special film to be screened at the Teach Portsmouth Awards in June.

The awards are sponsored by organisations including National Education Union, The University of Portsmouth, Caterlink, City of Portsmouth College, HSDC, Kier, Mountjoy, Thinking Schools Academy Trust (TSAT), Gunwharf Quays and The News.

For more information on the Teach Portsmouth Awards, visit: teachportsmouth.co.uk/awards.

Portsmouth’s teaching heroes will take centre stage at an awards ceremony for the profession at Portsmouth Guildhall on Thursday 9 June, hosted by comedian and broadcaster, Shaparak Khorsandi.

Local residents whose children/young people attend school or college in the city are being asked to nominate a teacher, learning support assistant or head teacher in the people’s choice category.

Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:

“The Teach Portsmouth Awards are a great way to showcase the successes of Portsmouth’s school and college staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure children and young people receive the education they deserve throughout the pandemic.

“As we move forward, it is important to say thank you to our workforce who have overcome so many challenges over the last two years. The Teach Portsmouth Awards give us a chance to pause and recognise their immense efforts.”

In 2021, Teach Portsmouth introduced the people’s choice award to allow people who live in the city a chance to have their say. Local residents could nominate school or college staff who had gone above and beyond the call of duty to support their community.

Examples included head teachers delivering food parcels during lockdown and learning support assistants providing support before exams. Parents/carers shone a light on those inspirational stories by submitting a supporting statement online.

Ashley Howard, head teacher at Highbury Primary School, who won the people’s choice award last year said:

“When I discovered I had been nominated to win the people’s choice award I was blown away. To realise I won the award was even more of a shock.

“It was a huge privilege to be nominated by local people. Every person within education has gone above and beyond to support families in the city over the last two academic years. The fact that I have been recognised by parents and carers is an amazing feeling.”

The Teach Portsmouth Awards celebrates the achievements of teachers, learning support assistants, teams, and head teachers in 10 award categories.

This year sees the introduction of two new awards, ‘teaching assistant of the year’ and ‘new teacher of the year,’ in recognition for those at the very start of their careers.

Mike Stoneman, deputy director for children, families and education at Portsmouth City Council said:

“The Teach Portsmouth Awards is an event that celebrates success and allows us to showcase teaching excellence in the city.

“From teachers to caretakers, the event shines a light on all colleagues across primary, secondary and post-16 settings. It’s a real boost and shows that Portsmouth cares and rewards those who have excelled in their subject area.”

Nominations for the people’s choice award are now open. People who live in Portsmouth and their child/young person attends a school or college in the city, can now nominate a teacher, learning support assistant or head teacher online by completing a short form.

Visit www.teachportsmouth.co.uk/awards to tell us who deserves recognition for their work supporting children and young people in the city. Online submissions close on Monday 28 March.