Three schools from across the borough have been recognised nationally for their outstanding work and the difference staff are making to children’s learning.
Horsenden Primary School in Greenford has been awarded the status of Voice 21 Oracy Centre of Excellence – the first primary school in the borough to gain this recognition. Voice 21 is a national charity that helps schools improve speaking and listening skills across the curriculum. The award highlights Horsenden’s focus on helping children become confident communicators.
Headteacher Emma Appleby said: “This award reflects the dedication and commitment of our staff in realising our vision of empowering every child to use their voice confidently. At Horsenden, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to find their voice and to use it to make a positive difference.”
As part of the award, the school will now support others by sharing its work and learning through the Voice 21 network, a national community of schools working together to improve oracy teaching and learning.
Teaching assistant is one of the best in the country
St John’s Primary School in West Ealing is also celebrating after long-serving teaching assistant Hardeep Bahra received a Silver Award in the Pearson National Teaching Awards for Teaching Assistant of the Year Hardeep, who joined the school in 1995, is now a finalist for the Gold Award, which will be announced later this year on BBC One’s The One Show.
Hardeep said: “Being named a silver award winner is an incredible honour that reflects the heart of why I teach and help the children at St John’s.”
Head of school Mrs Patel added: “We are incredibly proud of Hardeep’s achievement. Her hard work, commitment and dedication to the St John’s community over the years have been truly inspiring.”
Making the borough proud
Stanhope Primary School was shortlisted for a number of teaching awards earlier this year, and, since then, scooped a Silver Award in the Pearson National Teaching Awards Early Years Team of the Year category. This places them among the top 5 early years providers in the country.
The school was recognised for its nurturing environment, strong sense of teamwork and the way all staff contribute to creating a positive and inclusive place for children to learn and grow.
The school also received a Bronze Award for ‘Primary School of the Year – Making a Difference’ at the Pearson National Teaching Awards This was in recognition of its work on equality and social responsibility, as well as, for consistently excellent results in statutory testing, including KS2 SATs.
To mark National Thank a Teacher Day last month, the school held a special assembly where staff were surprised with messages of thanks from families and presented with roses as a symbol of appreciation.
Councillor Josh Blacker, Ealing council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, said: “These achievements show the strength of our schools and the incredible commitment of staff to giving children the best possible start in life. Congratulations to all 3 schools – you make the borough proud.”
