Education excellence recognised at Teach Portsmouth Awards ceremony

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An awards ceremony for Portsmouth’s education workforce took centre stage at Portsmouth Guildhall on Thursday 9 June. The Teach Portsmouth Awards was hosted by comedian and broadcaster, Shaparak Khorsandi.

Teachers, learning support assistants, school teams and head teachers were recognised for supporting children and young people’s education during the last academic year. Winners were announced in 9 award categories including outstanding achievement, community and collaboration and innovation in teaching.

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

“The last two academic years have been very challenging for staff in schools and colleges across the city due to COVID-19. However, a global pandemic has not stopped innovation in the classroom or staff going above and beyond to support children and young people.

“The Teach Portsmouth Awards is an opportunity to recognise teaching excellence, reward best practice and showcase staff who have helped families in unique ways. It’s also a chance to come together and reflect on our successes as a city.”

The introduction of two new categories, teaching assistant of the year and new teacher of the year shone a light on those who don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Other categories included the people’s choice award which allowed local residents to nominate their teaching hero.

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

“After a two-year break due to COVID-19, it was fantastic to be back in person to celebrate the contribution of school and college staff across the city.

“The Teach Portsmouth Awards is an important event that feeds into the work of the Portsmouth Education Partnership around staff retention. By recognising success, this enables us to keep the best teaching talent local, improving outcomes for children and young people.”

The winners were announced at the awards ceremony in the following categories:

  • Teaching assistant of the year award (Sponsored by: Caterlink)
    Debbie De Caen – Admiral Lord Nelson School
  • New teacher of the year award – (Sponsored by: University of Portsmouth)
    Lukasz Plaza – Admiral Lord Nelson School
  • People’s choice award (Sponsored by: The News) (Two winners)
    Rebekah Egerton – Beacon View Primary Academy / Dee Ient – Cumberland Infant School
  • Innovation in teaching award (Sponsored by: Gunwharf Quays)
    Chiara Fraser, Liv Fox and Sam Devoil – The Portsmouth Academy
  • Creativity award (Sponsored by HSDC)
    Chris Ricketts from Priory School
  • Inclusion and diversity award (Sponsored by: City of Portsmouth College)
    Pete Dudley – Trafalgar School
  • Community and Collaboration award (Sponsored by: Mountjoy)
    Curriculum team – Ark Ayrton Primary Academy
  • Unsung hero award (Sponsored by: Thinking Schools Academy Trust)
    Stacey Patrick – Ark Dickens Primary Academy
  • Outstanding contribution award (Sponsored by: Kier)
    Katie Holness – Admiral Lord Nelson School

In addition, 84 teachers received long service awards for 20 years of service to the city. There is no overall winner in this category and everyone receives an award.

The Teach Portsmouth website has been updated to include information on the winners and shortlist. Visit: www.teachportsmouth.co.uk/awards.

Portsmouth’s classroom heroes recognised for long service to education

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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, teacher at Ark Dickens Primary Academy

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

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.

Teach Portsmouth Awards 2022 shortlist announced

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Portsmouth teachers, learning support assistants, teams and head teachers have been shortlisted for the annual Teach Portsmouth Awards, which take place at Portsmouth Guildhall on Thursday 9 June 2022.

In March, nominations opened for senior leaders in schools and colleges to recognise their staff. The people’s choice award also launched allowing members of the Portsmouth community to nominate their teaching heroes.

All nominations were reviewed by a panel of education professionals and those shortlisted will be invited to the Teach Portsmouth Awards, hosted by broadcaster and comedian, Shaparak Khorsandi. The winners of nine categories will be announced at the event and everyone put forward for the long service award will receive a trophy.

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

“With less than a month to go until the big day, we’re beginning our celebrations by announcing the shortlist for the Teach Portsmouth Awards. From newly qualified teachers to site managers, the awards recognise the efforts of every member of school and college staff.

“It’s important to remember that while these nominations were shortlisted, every entry reviewed by the shortlisting panel showed everyone going above and beyond to support children, young people and families in the city. I would like to thank everyone for their continued efforts to support our community in Portsmouth.”

Katie Holness, deputy head teacher at Admiral Lord Nelson School has been shortlisted in the outstanding contribution award category. Katie started her career as a newly qualified teacher in PE, progressing to become subject lead. She is now a deputy headteacher at the school. In her supporting statement, colleagues recognised her inclusivity work which has ensured no permanent exclusions at the school in over 15 years. Katie said:

“To be put forward by a colleague is a huge honour but to be recognised by a panel of experts is an incredible feeling. While my job is really challenging, it is hugely rewarding. I am proud of the work I have achieved at the school.”

Doug Richards, site manager at Meon Junior School has been shortlisted in the unsung hero award category. Doug has worked at the school for 21 years and works tirelessly to ensure the school is safe for pupils. Doug said:

“It is absolutely fantastic to be shortlisted for an unsung hero award, it’s an amazing feeling to be recognised by my colleagues and I am very humbled to be nominated for this award.”

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

“It’s fantastic to see another milestone reached as we near the Teach Portsmouth Awards. While individuals have been recognised as part of a shortlist, it is important to remember that everyone who was put forward for a nomination also deserve recognition for their work.

“The Teach Portsmouth Awards is one way we recognise school and college staff, encouraging the best teachers and education professionals to stay local. This ensures children and young people receive the best education possible from trained and qualified experts.”

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.

To view the shortlist, visit: teachportsmouth.co.uk/awards.

Call for Portsmouth to nominate their top teaching hero in local awards

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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.

Teach Portsmouth presents early years education

Portsmouth nursery workers inspire next generation with exciting careers

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A virtual meet and greet was held with two nursery workers on Monday 17 January during Portsmouth Aspirations Week.

The webinar, called Teach Portsmouth presents early years education welcomed parents/carers, young people and professionals, showcasing the range of careers on offer in nurseries, supporting children aged up to four.

Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education said:

“Aspirations Week is a great way to get people thinking about the careers they want. Early years education supports children who are just starting out, teaching them essential life skills that will benefit them for years to come.

“By inviting nursery workers to join the webinar, those watching were able to get a very real look at the rewards and challenges of the job. No career is without challenge but both individuals gave a reassuring account of what people can expect when they join the profession.”

Aspirations Week is a week-long initiative designed to help children, young people and adults learn new skills, achieve qualifications and progress in their career. This supports Portsmouth City Council’s commitment to life-long learning.

Like many professions, becoming a nursery practitioner requires patience, creativity, and care. These soft skills are essential to progress in the sector as you start from an apprentice and work your way up. Those who aspire for more can move into management or even own their own nursery.

Abbie Hendry, who is a nursery manager at Rainbow Corner Nursery shared her experience progressing from an apprentice into a more senior role.

Abbie said:

“Before joining a nursery, I was a hairdresser, but I wasn’t enjoying it. I would work every weekend and didn’t have enough time to see friends and family. A friend had recently joined a nursery and was doing really well. I decided to enrol at a local college on an apprenticeship. I quickly fell in love with the role, especially the interactions I would have between parents and their children.

“Over time, I wanted to move into a more senior position after completing my apprenticeship. I completed a qualification to help children with special educational needs. I’m now the nursery manager – it can be hard work but it is really rewarding.”

James Dyer, a qualified nursery practitioner, who co-owns a nursery, spoke about his background as a teacher in a primary school.

James said:

“For many years, I worked in youth and play services across the city. It was a job I loved but I began to think about a career in teaching. After I completed training, I became a primary school teacher. I really enjoyed the role but an opportunity to join my wife at Southsea Nature Nursery soon came up.

“There was some cross over with my teaching background, but I did have to update my training. I now co-own the nursery and absolutely love it. Outdoor learning for children is important and I’m honoured to be able to provide that service.”

Those who joined the webinar were able to submit questions which were answered during a live Q&A session. Webinar host, Mindy Butler, childcare and early years manager at Portsmouth City Council introduced each speaker and presented information on local training providers in the city.

Mindy said:

“The webinar gave us a chance to showcase what Portsmouth has to offer for unqualified and qualified individuals. From amazing apprenticeships that prepare you for work to a supportive community of nurseries who foster an environment where progression is possible. We hope those who joined us for the webinar found this an exciting start on the road to becoming a nursery practitioner.”

A recording of the webinar is now available to watch on the Teach Portsmouth website. Visit www.teachportsmouth.co.uk/webinar.

Teach Portsmouth work to recruit, retain and grow the best teachers and leaders for Portsmouth. It is part of the Portsmouth Education Partnership which is supported by Portsmouth City Council and education providers across the city.

Frances Soul

Introduction from Frances Soul, PEP Independent Chair

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For those of you that I didn’t meet at the PEP summer conference, it is good to be able to say hello and give a brief introduction and update on my time so far. My name is Frances Soul. I live in Hampshire but have worked in schools across England and also with education providers in South Africa, India, and USA. I have had a rich, varied and possibly atypical career in education and aim to use this to the benefit of the PEP as your Chair. As I said when I joined the PEP summer conference I won’t waste space and time on my CV, just ‘Google me’ if you want to know more.

More importantly, last week I had the pleasure of meeting a few members of the PEP strategic board face to face. It was so good to start visiting Portsmouth schools and see and hear from those leading some of the priority strands of year 2 of the PEP strategy. I heard from Natalie Sheppard about the digital innovation coming out of TSAT and collaboration across the PEP on the Digital Drive, and from Matt Johnson at Copnor Primary on the priorities for the language and literacy strand. If you have not yet read it do take a look at the Approaches to Reading document, which was a true collaborative development that came from the wider group last year.

Inclusion is a strong theme of the PEP and I was delighted to be able to visit Mary Rose Academy to meet Sharon Burt and hear of her work within Solent Academies Trust and also the collaborative initiatives with the PEP for inclusion for all schools and children from EY to post-16. Speaking of post-16, I then moved on to meet Simon Barrable and hear how a more unified strategy for post-16 provision has been enabled through the creation of the City of Portsmouth College and their collaboration on the priority to improve post-16 impact and reduce NEET. Finally with Jane Bush at Langstone Junior Academy, UniCAT, I heard about her leadership of the primary heads group for the year and the work coming out of the Solent Maths Hub for which she is currently the PEP representative.

Without exception I was greeted with energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to working together for the good of all children and young people in the schools and colleges across Portsmouth. I look forward to meeting more of you over the coming weeks and months and leading the strategic board on your behalf to even greater impact and success.

Please do feel free to contact me directly on [email protected] with any questions, suggestions or even an invitation to meet. I will always respond!

Frances Soul
PEP Independent Chair

HISP Teaching School Hub logo

Salterns Academy Trust confirmed sub-regional lead for HISP Teaching School Hub

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The Salterns Academy Trust will be sub-regional lead for the Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Southampton and Portsmouth Teaching School Hub (HISP TSH). The HISP TSH was designated by the DfE in February 2021 to support teachers’ professional development at all stages of their career.

The HISP TSH will deliver this through evidence-based programmes of support and qualification, centred around five core functions:

  1. Initial teacher training (ITT) – linked to the Hampshire SCITT Partnership, providing support to trainees and early career teachers (ECTs).
  2. Early career framework (ECF) – as a delivery partner of the Education Development Trust, transforming the support and development offers for teachers at the start of their career.
  3. Appropriate body (AB) – supplying AB services to meet the needs of our region across all phases and settings (N.B. all schools that offer a statutory induction are required to have an AB for their ECTs).
  4. National professional qualification (NPQ) – as a delivery partner of the Education Development Trust, providing a reformed suite of NPQs to teachers and leaders who want to develop their knowledge and skills in school leadership and specialist areas of teaching practice.
  5. Continuing professional development (CPD) – working alongside Curriculum Hubs and the HISP Research School, delivering high-quality evidence-based programmes.

As sub-regional lead, The Salterns Academy Trust will work with HISP TSH to deliver the golden thread of teacher development, specifically tailored to meet the needs of the schools and teachers within our geographical area. In addition, the trust will host events on behalf of HISP TSH, HISP Research School and the Solent Maths Hub.

This is a new and exciting opportunity for all schools within this region to benefit from expert advice.

For more information, visit the HISP Teaching School Hub website.

People's choice award winner

Inspirational head teacher wins people’s choice award thanks to local residents

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An inspirational head teacher has been recognised by his local community in an annual awards ceremony for teachers with a surprise trophy giving at his school.

Local residents have recognised head teacher, Ashley Howard for his efforts to support pupils and their families during the pandemic which included delivering food parcels and acting as a crossing patrol person when a colleague was feeling unwell.

The surprise event was held in front of pupils and staff in the school playground. Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council who presented the award said:

“The people’s choice award has given Portsmouth an opportunity to applaud staff for their efforts during the last two academic years. Those who work in schools and colleges have gone above and beyond in so many ways.

“The response was overwhelming. Ashley received the biggest share of nominations by far. It was only right that we congratulated Ashley in front of his colleagues and pupils as a way to recognise everything he has achieved.”

With school and college staff working at a pace to provide COVID secure environments for pupils, the impact of their actions has often been immeasurable. Parents and governors have praised their efforts during a period of rapid change. While staff see this as part of their job, local residents view these actions differently as going above and beyond the call of duty.

The people’s choice category has given school and college communities a voice by allowing them to nominate a teacher, learning support assistant or head teacher who has supported them throughout the pandemic.

Teach Portsmouth, part of Portsmouth City Council promote the recruitment and retention of teachers in the city. Every year, an awards ceremony for the city’s education workforce are held to celebrate their achievements.

Mark Waldron, editor of The News who was present for the award giving as sponsor said:

“The News has supported the Teach Portsmouth Awards since it was created. This year, we were given the opportunity to sponsor the people’s choice award, allowing the city to tell us who deserved a collective thank you.

“Ashley Howard is a very worth winner. While he is very humble, his efforts to support the community have not gone unnoticed.”

During the pandemic, Ashley supported parents and carers in all manner of situations, even stepping into the role of a lollipop person. One parent said:

“Mr Howard has gone above and beyond during the pandemic to support and encourage the school community with great YouTube videos and resources which have helped with at home learning. He always ensures the safety of pupils, even stepping in as lollipop person when a colleague was feeling unwell.”

Local residents were asked to submit a supporting statement to explain why their nominee deserved the award. Examples included those delivering food parcels during lockdown, school staff calling home to ensure their pupils were okay and supporting parents with at home learning.

Ashley Howard, head teacher at Highbury Primary School reflected on winning the award:

“I would like to say a huge thank you to the local community for nominating me for the people’s choice award. It is an amazing feeling to be recognised.

“While the award has my name on it, I want people to know that it is recognition of all of our efforts as a school. Whether that’s our learning and teaching team or our amazing pupils, this is an award for all of us.”

As part of The Teach Portsmouth Awards Live ceremony, a special film was created to capture the award giving at Highbury Primary School. To watch the virtual awards, visit www.teachportsmouth.co.uk/awards.

Teach Portsmouth Awards Live

Superstar teachers shine bright at Teach Portsmouth Awards Live ceremony

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A virtual awards ceremony in Portsmouth for the city’s superstar teachers has revealed the winners in 8 award categories on Thursday 8 July. Due to COVID-19, this year’s event was held on Zoom video conferencing.

Teachers, learning support assistants and head teachers have gone above and beyond to support the city’s children, young people and families during the pandemic. The awards ceremony has showcased school and college staff in categories such as innovation in teaching, community and collaboration, outstanding achievement and more.

Their impact on Portsmouth has been immeasurable. Examples include teachers calling home to check on pupils during lockdown, introducing technology at a pace for learning online as well as delivering food parcels to those in need.

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

“It’s fantastic to see so many colleagues being recognised for their immense efforts during the pandemic. While there isn’t a specific category for COVID-19, each nominee featured in the shortlist went above and beyond to support their community during this time.

“While the winners deserve praise and recognition, it’s important to realise that everyone who works in schools and colleges in Portsmouth all deserve a collective round of applause. You are all superstars.”

Prior to the virtual event, entries were reviewed by a shortlisting panel. The people’s choice award was the only category to allow local residents to nominate a teacher, learning support assistant or head teacher who had gone above and beyond the call of duty during the pandemic. This category was judged on the amount of entries per nominee to work out a winner.

The Teach Portsmouth Awards Live celebrated the immense efforts of those who work in education settings in a virtual ceremony, hosted by broadcaster, Reverend Richard Coles.

The winners were announced at the awards ceremony in the following categories:

  • Innovation in teaching award (Sponsored by: Portsmouth College)
    • Ben Currier – Combined subject leader for international languages – Mayfield School
  • Creativity award – (Sponsored by: Thinking Schools Academy Trust)
    • Year one team – Bramble Infant School and Nursery
  • Unsung hero award (Sponsored by: Express FM)
    • Rebecca Britti – Curriculum lead for languages – Admiral Lord Nelson School
  • Inclusion and diversity award (Sponsored by: Caterlink)
    • Emma Darbyshire – PSCHE teacher – Flying Bull Academy
  • Communication and collaboration award (Sponsored by: Kier)
    • Layla Gover – Higher level teaching assistant – Milton Park Primary School
  • Partnership award (Sponsored by: University of Portsmouth)
    • Bridging Portsmouth’s Digital Divide team (Portsmouth City Council / Shaping Portsmouth / The Hive / Thinking Schools Academy Trust)
  • Outstanding contribution award (Sponsored by: BAE Systems)
    • Roberta Kirby – Head teacher – Fernhurst Junior School
  • People’s choice award (Sponsored by: The News)
    • Ashley Howard – Head teacher – Highbury Primary School

In addition, 90 teachers received long service awards for 20 years of service to the city. There is no overall winner in this category and everyone receives an award. Those who have won awards work in all areas of school and college life. From learning support assistants to head teachers, the awards celebrate everyone’s successes.

Roberta Kirby, head teacher at Fernhurst Junior School won the outstanding contribution award said:

“I was thrilled to have been nominated for the outstanding contribution award. However, when Councillor Suzy Horton burst through the door with a trophy I was absolutely stunned.

“What’s important to remember is that the trophy isn’t just for me but recognition of the whole team who have gone above and beyond to support everyone during the pandemic.”

Over the last two academic years, Portsmouth City Council has worked closely with schools, colleges and organisations across the city to ensure communities feel supported. The Teach Portsmouth Awards Live recognises those who have done their bit to help.

Mike Stoneman, deputy director for children, families and education at Portsmouth City Council reflected on the importance of such an event:

“The Teach Portsmouth Awards is always a firm favourite in the city’s event calendar as we celebrate our hard working teams. With the pandemic, it’s more important than ever before to recognise their incredible efforts and the role teachers, learning support assistants and head teachers play in our communities.”

A recording of the Teach Portsmouth Awards Live ceremony is now available to watch online.

Visit: www.teachportsmouth.co.uk/awards.

Teach Portsmouth celebrates

Teach Portsmouth celebrates achievements of school and college staff

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To celebrate the immense efforts of teachers, support staff and head teachers in schools and colleges across the city, Teach Portsmouth has launched a new initiative to recognise their achievements.

From 7 – 18 June, schools, colleges and organisations are encouraged to recognise their staff by sharing a photo or video on their social media pages using the hashtag #TeachPortsmouthCelebrates.

Over the last 18 months, the pandemic has shone a light on staff who work in education including teachers, learning support assistants, receptionists, cleaners and more in supporting the city’s families, children and young people.

These individuals have taken on more responsibility over and above their normal jobs. This includes the delivery of food parcels to vulnerable families, mass testing of pupils and introducing new technology for at home learning. In many instances, these changes have taken place quickly with staff going beyond what is normally required to support their community.

Our latest initiative supports schools, colleges and organisations in celebrating their workforce by sharing a special message with parents and carers on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council championed the campaign:

“We’re celebrating the amazing work that has gone on by school and college staff in the city. Teach Portsmouth is asking head teachers to pause and consider how they can recognise their staff.

“Teachers have played an important role in supporting children and young people in the city during the pandemic. Despite many pupils learning from home, schools never closed, supporting keyworker children in the classroom over the last 18 months.”

Head teachers are being asked to think creatively about how they will celebrate their staff, showcasing their efforts to the school community online. This could include recording a video message that says thanks or school children creating window murals to recognise their teaching heroes.

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

“We appreciate how hard everyone has worked this year. Teach Portsmouth’s latest campaign gives everyone the chance to recognise their staff before the main awards ceremony on Thursday 8 July.

“It’s impossible to showcase everyone’s talents in The Teach Portsmouth Awards – so we felt it was important for individuals and teams to share their successes with parents and carers online.”

Organisations across the city are getting involved, sharing inspirational stories and messages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Southsea Infant School has been sharing special messages of thanks, recognising their staff who have gone above and beyond during the last 18 months. Nigel Man, site manager at the school, said:

“I’d like to say a big thank you to Southsea Infant School for recognising our work during the pandemic.

“Me and my son, Sevon have been busy keeping the site clean to ensure the school is COVID secure. It has been hard work at times but with the help of all the staff we’ve got through it. It’s great to know we are being noticed and celebrated.”

The celebrations continue…

Those who are recognised for their achievements on social media have the opportunity to feature in a special film which will be shown during the virtual awards ceremony.

To learn more about Teach Portsmouth celebrates and how schools and colleges have been getting involved. Visit the Teach Portsmouth Awards Live section of the site to see the inspirational stories being shared.

Find out more