Education superstars shine bright at Teach Portsmouth Awards

Teachers, governors, childminders, and classroom assistants took centre stage at Portsmouth Guildhall on Thursday 29 June for The Teach Portsmouth Awards.

Hosted by Nation Radio’s Lucy Ambache, the ceremony recognised the immense contribution of school and college staff over the last academic year.

Winners were announced in 11 award categories including inclusion, innovation, community and outstanding contribution to education.

Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said: “The Teach Portsmouth Awards is an opportunity to recognise teaching excellence, reward best practice and showcase staff who have helped families in different ways. It’s also a chance to come together and reflect on our successes as a city.”

“This year, we’ve introduced new categories to ensure more people can be celebrated for their efforts. These include early years practitioners and childminders who play an important role in the early development of children as well as governors who draw upon their own life experiences to support leadership teams in a school or college.”

The introduction of two new categories, the early years and childcare award and governor’s award shone a light on those who don’t always get the recognition they deserve.

Other categories included the people’s choice award which allowed parents and carers to nominate a teacher, learning support assistant or head teacher who had gone above and beyond for them.

Mike Stoneman, deputy director for children services and education at Portsmouth City Council said: “Parents and carers will always have a special place in their hearts for school and college staff who support their children. It couldn’t be more obvious in the people choice award category where those accomplishments that sometimes go unnoticed, shine brightest.

“The Teach Portsmouth Awards are the perfect way for us to recognise those successes. By doing so, we can use these inspirational examples, to encourage others to join the profession, helping pupils in Portsmouth’s classrooms.”

In May, a shortlisting panel of education professionals met to review the nominations to draw up a shortlist. The winners were announced at the awards ceremony in the following categories:

Teaching and learning support award – Sponsored by the University of Chichester Academy Trust
Analiese Campbell – Langstone Junior Academy

Early career teacher award – Sponsored by University of Portsmouth
Camille Lahon – Admiral Lord Nelson School

People’s choice award – Sponsored by The News
Michelle Chadwick – Priory School

Innovation award – Sponsored by HSDC
Portsmouth Digital Champions (14 champions across Portsmouth schools)

Early years and childcare award – Sponsored by Home-Start Portsmouth
Sarah Jayne Whatling – Parade Community Preschool

Inclusion award – Sponsored by Salterns Academy Trust
Anne Ormston – The Harbour School

Community award – Sponsored by Gunwharf Quays
Beacon View Christmas lunch team – Beacon View Primary Academy

Unsung hero award – Sponsored by City of Portsmouth College
Shireen Hawkins – St Swithun’s Catholic Primary School

Governor’s award – Sponsored by Portsmouth City Council
Phil Harris-Bridge – Castle View Academy

Progress award – Sponsored by Nation Radio
Alison Spicer and Thomasina Bingley – Stamshaw Infant School

Outstanding contribution award – Sponsored by Mountjoy
Giri Nair – The Flying Bull Academy

In addition, over 90 people 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.