On Monday 19th November, Westminster played host to the Outstanding HLTA of the Year Award.

The nine regional winners enjoyed a tour of Parliament to celebrate their achievement, followed by the presentation ceremony. Dean Boyce from Best Practice Network began proceedings by welcoming the HLTAs and their guests and congratulating them on being regional winners (see the winners in the South West and West Midlands).
Pictured left: Josie Wilkinson, Dean Boyce and Jenny Boyce.

Dean highlighted the outstanding practice and commitment that winners had demonstrated. He also thanked the partners and guests of the winners, acknowledging the support they invariably provide.

Professor Richard Rose, Chairman of the HLTA National Assessment Partnership then addressed the audience, congratulating all and stressing how difficult it was each year to select an overall winner amongst such fine company.

Dean welcomed Brian Tytherleigh, Director of Operations at the National College for Teaching and Leadership and Zenta Henkhuzens from the DfE, thanking them both for attending, and for being instrumental in setting up and developing HLTA status in the early days. Brian spoke to the audience of how delighted he was to hear of the all the wonderful work still being carried out in schools by HLTAs and how pleased he was to be able to share this day with them.

Each regional winner was introduced with a summary of their outstanding work and the high regard in which they are held by their school. Acknowledging that everyone present was a winner, it fell to Professor Rose to announce the overall winner; Jill Birch from Birkwood Primary School in South Yorkshire, who received her trophy from Nic Daykin, Member of Parliament and Shadow Schools Minister.
Pictured right: Richard Rose, Jill Birch and is Nic Daykin MP.

Jill has worked at Birkwood Primary School for 11 years and has been an HLTA since 2006. During that time she has gone from strength to strength and is now a senior HLTA with whole-school responsibility for Art and Design Technology. Jill’s colleagues describe her as an outstanding role model who encourages a can-do attitude. She works mainly with Year 6 children and has expertise in reading, writing, maths and in practical science. Her support has helped children to significantly improve their reading skills. She willingly gives up her break and lunch times to support pupils.

It was a great day - it’s so important to recognise the fantastic work that all these winners do. They really make such a difference, it’s all so well deserved.

If you would like to hear more about gaining HLTA status, please contact our team.