At the East Midlands HLTA celebration event held on 21st June, Jane Fenn was announced as the Outstanding HLTA of the Year 2017.
Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) from across the East Midlands region had been nominated by their schools not only for their impact on the progress in learning and development of their pupils, but for their commitment to the wider curriculum and the school community.
A panel of education professionals from a range of settings and NAP board members confirmed the exceptional qualities of the nominated candidates, but did narrow this down to a short list of 4 with Jane being chosen as the winner:
- Ann Archer from
Bridgewater Primary School, Northampton, Northants; - Tonia Cook from Swinderby All Saints Primary School, Swinderby, Lincolnshire;
- Jane Fenn from Ryhall C of E Academy, Ryhall, Rutland/Lincs;
- Ann Hadfield from Asquith Primary School, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
Jane was recognised for her committent in ensuring that the children she works with, regardless of their needs, make good, if not excellent progress. Colleagues from Ryhall C. of E. School said, in their nomination, that she plans and delivers intervention work, often taking way beyond expected hours, the quality of which is paramount to school success; she works closely with year 6 children and those who would normally struggle with their next phase leave school with an epic toolkit of strategies for learning and life that Jane equips them with. In her wider role, Jane has taken on the Food for Life project across the school, teaching children the skill of preparing healthy food. Jane represents her colleagues as the support staff governor, making sure their voice is heard and adopting a ‘can-do’ attitude to any problem that arises.
Senior staff added, ‘Jane’s attitude is infectious and she inspires us all to want great things. Her mind-set and strength of character drives her to be the best she can and she instils this in the children in her care. We could not be more proud to work with such an admirable colleague’.
Jane will go forward to represent the East Midlands at the National Outstanding HLTA of the Year event in London in November.
Congratulations, Jane, from all at East Midlands HLTA.
