DET Dispatch - July 2024

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to our special Making The Difference Awards 2024 edition of DET Dispatch. These awards are especially meaningful because they come from the heart of our community. Our winners have been nominated by our peers—those whose lives they have touched in ways profound enough for colleagues to take the time to highlight their talents and commitment. This peer-driven recognition is a testament to the genuine difference our team make every day.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment and congratulations to all our winners.

I hope you have a wonderfully restful and enjoyable summer break.

With best wishes,

Josephine Valentine, CEO
Danes Educational Trust

Making the difference together

ASCOT ROAD

Fozia Amin
Learning Support Practitioner
Fozia deserves an award for excellence in EYFS due to her exceptional dedication and innovative approach to early childhood education. She creates an inclusive, supportive environment, ensuring all children, including those with SEND, thrive. Her engaging, imaginative teaching methods spark curiosity and foster a love of learning. As a collaborative team member, she contributes valuable insights to enhance educational quality and mentor colleagues. Fozia's passion, creativity, and commitment to holistic child development makes her a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.

Emily Wright
EYFS Class Teacher
Emily deserves an award for her amazing work in phonics education. Her creative strategies and dedication have boosted early literacy and made reading fun for young learners. She is extremely driven and ambitious in driving the quality of phonics in the school and she has worked hard to ensure all children get the best opportunities when learning to read. She also builds strong relationships with families, identifying those who need extra help and supporting learning at home. Emily works tirelessly to always do the best for the school and is well deserving of this award.

CHANCELLOR'S

Paula Smith
Pastoral Assistant
Paula Smith is a key member of the pastoral team and works tirelessly to support students to feel happy and safe in school. No day is ever boring in pastoral and Paula and (the other pastoral assistants) are required to be responsive and react optimistically to the wide variety of student issues. Paula provides vulnerable students with essential support and, with her colleagues, creates a welcoming, optimistic and safe pastoral space. Paula is extremely deserving of this award.

Meredith Hearn
Head of Science
Meredith Hearn has provided excellent science faculty leadership, offering superb challenge and support to her colleagues, and ongoing professional development to improve the experience in the science classrooms for students. As a result, there is a consistent classroom practice with engaging pedagogies, lots of interesting practical work, high standards of book work and opportunities for students to think and write like a scientist. In this year's Challenge Partners review, the 'middle' leadership group was described as stunning and Meredith is a key part of this team of academic leaders.

THE CRANBOURNE

Naomi Edwards
Office Manager and PA to headteacher
Naomi goes above and beyond, day in and day out, going out of her way to help others. Nothing is too much trouble for her - even when her own work is being "hijacked" by staff who just "need a minute". Whether it's stepping in to run lunches, learning a brand new MIS (with the old one causing her many difficulties), looking after injured children, or getting the photocopier fixed (again!), often all at the same time! The school would not run smoothly without her unassuming and good humoured work.

Esther Hibbin
Class Teacher and maths co-lead
Esther is a superb class teacher - her children always make great progress, and reach high standards. Efficiency is definitely her middle name, and she's guaranteed never to miss a deadline! Her excellent curriculum knowledge has been well used in her role as a KS1 moderator. She co-leads maths, and has overseen a number of new initiiatives, especially to support girls' confidence.

CROXLEY DANES SCHOOL

Ros Godfrey
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Pastoral Support Officer
Ros is an exceptional colleague whose unwavering dedication to safeguarding both students and their families is nothing short of inspirational. She consistently goes above and beyond, always putting their well-being first and ensuring they have the support and resources they need. Her infectious enthusiasm and genuine care create a nurturing environment where students and families feel safe and valued. Ros’ tireless efforts to provide personalised support and her consistent approach to safeguarding make her a true cornerstone of our community. Her positive impact is evident in the trust and gratitude of those whom she tirelessly supports, making her an invaluable asset and a shining example of excellence in her field.

Carrie Lewis
SENCO
Carrie received the most nominations of any staff member by a considerable margin. She is described by colleagues as 'a force of nature' and an Ofsted Inspector, who was recently conducting a Challenge Partners Review, identified her as 'an agent for change.' Carrie is considered to be passionate, dedicated, knowledgeable, considerate, and kind. Furthermore, she is skilfully blending challenge, support and leadership to transform the provision for our SEND students. Croxley Danes School is privileged to have such a talented, hardworking and resilient professional, who is championing our SEND students, upskilling our teaching staff and making relentless demands of the Local Authority.

DE HAVILLAND

Jessica Pryor
Early Years Learning Practitioner
Jess goes above and beyond on a daily basis, ensuring our children get the very best of her time and care, whether this is during breakfast club or in Early Years supporting our youngest learners. Jess never grumbles, remains positive and wears a permanent smile, even when she is overstretched and covering at a moment's notice. Nothing is ever too much trouble! The care she gives to all children and staff never goes unnoticed. Thank you, Jess, from everyone at De Havilland!

Jamie Jackson
Sports Teacher
Jamie's unwavering dedication to physical education and sport at De Havilland is to be commended by the receipt of this award. Not only does he provide outstanding physical education at De Havilland, but his reach continues into the wider community, where he is responsible for Welwyn and Hatfield leagues and competitions. His work extends beyond the hours of the typical school day, as he leads before and after school activities ensuring our children are as active as possible. Jamie also leads a boxercise club at lunch to support children who find lunchtimes challenging. Our children, families, and staff all speak so highly of him. Thank you, Jamie, for your hard work, effort, camorardary and silverware you have helped us achieve over the past decade!

ELSTREE SCREEN ARTS

Corinne Ward
HR, Admin Manager, Executive Assistant
Corinne exemplifies proactive leadership behaviour driven by a deep sense of personal care, responsibility and challenge. She supports the running of the school community in a very tangible and operational way. Furthermore, in a delightfully understated and collaborative manner, Corinne is highly strategic and contributes ideas and creative solutions like jewels of vision in everyday conversations and formal meetings alike. She keeps us safe and effective and laughs a lot.

Madison Creer
Production Arts Teacher - Makeup / Wardrobe
Madi is a natural teacher. From a creative industries background, she has adapted to education with the expertise of someone fully trained and experienced. She regularly demonstrates best practice, going above and beyond, throwing herself into extended curriculum provision and providing our learners with industry credible hands-on learning. She produced our final production this year and staged Made in Dagenham with efficient and smooth leadership. She has worked with five different departments as our producer and has been organised, optimistic and the ultimate professional throughout.

THE JOHN WARNER

Kirsty-Anne White
SENCO
As SENCO, Kirsty has consistently displayed grit, determination and a huge amount of resilience. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that the provision for students with SEND is effective and this was first recognised in the Ofsted December 2023 Monitoring Visit. Since then, she has had to show great strength in character, continuing to put the students at the heart of the support that she and her team offer. Kirsty has not only ensured that the necessary support is in place but she has gone above and beyond to review and make improvements to that support. Through all of the school's challenges she has remained committed, professional and smiling!

Jude Stephenson
Head of MFL
Jude assumed responsibility for the smooth running of MfL while also holding down her substantive position of Head of Year 11 until she was formally appointed to the role of Head of MfL six months later. Jude has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that all students were supported and in receipt of appropriate provision. At one point she was the only member of the Faculty on site and chose to teach 45 of 50 periods over a 2 week timetable in order that students were not disadvantaged. With the support of her Line Manager, she has displayed monumental strength and determination, completing the job of two people for the majority of the year. A credit to the profession, she has also found time to give advice, to be a supportive colleague and a wonderful friend. As a colleague said, 'I am so grateful to have found my place at JWS and Jude has been integral to this.'

JUPITER

Paula Sutherland
Learing Support Practitioner and phonics specialist
Paula continually makes outstanding contributions as our Phonics lead. Paula's dedication and expertise have greatly benefited our team, as she tirelessly supports and mentors colleagues in implementing effective phonics strategies. Her passion for education shines through in her commitment to ensuring every student receives the best foundation. Her willingness to assist others, share resources, and provide guidance exemplifies her exceptional qualities. She fosters a collaborative and supportive environment that enhances our teaching practices and ultimately improves student outcomes. Paula is truly deserving of this recognition for her invaluable impact on our school community.

Katie Gillingham
Phase Lead and Class teacher
Katie is an outstanding practitioner and member of our school team going above and beyond to ensure that we are supported to offer the very best learning and enrichment experiences for all of our children. Katie is proactive and organised and maintains professionalism at all times. She continually sets a very high standard for the children and staff to follow - the epitome of the school's core values. All staff are given opportunities for professional development through her guidance alongside observing her outstanding practice. Katie is a reliable and valuable member of our school community who thoroughly deserves this recognition.

LANCHESTER

Stephanie Murphy
Learning Support Practitioner
Stephanie consistently upholds our schools values and goes above and beyond to ensure her learners receive the very best support. She works tirelessly to plan and resource the provision for our highest needs SEN pupils. Stephanie is always professional with parents and so caring and supportive to all the children, establishing good rapport with each individual.

Monika Stachurska
Class Teacher
Since Monika joined our community in January she has built good relationships with staff and has an excellent rapport with the learners in the school, really championing our children.

Monika consistently upholds our values and high expectations ensuring that all pupils receive the very best. Monika goes out of her way to plan and resource by always thinking of how best to meet the chiildren's needs and interests, preparing little extras for the children.

ONSLOW ST AUDREY'S

Kate Rayner
Food Technician and OSAmbassadors' Lead

Kate has made it her mission to give extra support to children who are particularly disadvantaged. Through the OSAmbassador programme, Kate ensures that these 'ghost' children get the support they need where home or school may not previously have been able to provide it. These children now have regular mentor support with anything from organisation, confidence, applying to further education, mental health issues; the list is endless. Through these 1:1 discussions, the school gets a bigger picture of what is happening with this child helping to break down barriers to learning. Building on this success, Kate is now implementing similar programmes across the trust as well as extending them to Year 6’s transitioning to secondary school.

Anna-Maria van der Spoel
Assistant Headteacher, Head of Key Stage 3

Anna-Maria is a true team player. Joining us as SLT in September, she has fully embraced our school community and is open to learning every day. Her fresh, honest and genuine approach to daily life at OSA makes it truly enjoyable to work with her. She makes students, staff and parents feel genuinely appreciated. Anna-Maria has made a significant positive impact in a short space of time. She is a wonderful teacher and a genuine asset to OSA.

ROSELANDS

Sharon Lee
Learning Support Assistant - Early Years
Sharon is an amazing member of the EYFS team at Roselands. She is always professional with parents, caring and supportive to all the children, going above and beyond what she is asked to do. Sharon works hard to ensure all children have support with interventions, which is reflected in their progress, especially in reading. Sharon is exceptional in her work with our SEN children. She welcomes children as they start their journey at school, helping them settle and feel safe with the routines of the EYFS setting.

Lucy Jones
Year 6 teacher, Leader of English, Assistant Head
Lucy is absolutely everything a school could possibly wish for in a teacher. She's incredibly hard-working, kind hearted, conscientious and driven to provide the children with exciting and inspiring lessons to ignite their learning. Lucy is highly respected by our staff who value her experience and tireless support. Lucy has shown staff how to be firm but fair and enable children to thrive by guiding them, nurturing them and most importantly istening to them. She hears the children as she teaches them, which they respect so much.

ST CLEMENT DANES

Diane Bargh
Pastoral Administrator
Diane has worked for a number of years now in Pastoral. In a busy, sometimes emotional and turbulent environment Diane keeps her cool, always ready to help anyone out with any problem they are faced with, endeavouring to find a solution for them. Diane is simply great at her job. The support she provides to the pastoral team and the reassurance she provides to parents in times of crisis is an essential element of Saint Clement Danes’ pastoral care. Pastoral rely on Diane for so many things, it's not just doing the 'work'. Thank you Diane for everything you do for your colleagues, students and their parents. You make a huge difference to so many people.

Shand Mcletchie-Georges
English Teacher
Shand is an absolute delight to work alongside. She works incredibly hard every day to teach and deliver her lessons to every single student. She cares a great deal and it shows through her every working effort. She has an amazing relationship with her students and constantly thinks about others. She consistently goes above and beyond across many evenings and weekends to support the various debating competitions she organises. Thank you for making such a difference to so many students in and out of the classroom.

DET Central Services

Liz Smith
Marketing and Communications Lead

Liz is the ultimate team player - fully dedicated to every project and always

willing to help others. She has significantly contributed to the Trust by

updating the recruitment advertising process; showing patience and

kindness in supporting the team through new ways of working. Her

innovative approach to digital marketing has led to increased social media

following and website traffic, particularly boosting our presence in the

teacher training market. This success has been due to Liz's ability to analyse

market trends ensuring our strategies remain relevant and impactful. Her

leadership, creativity, and willingness to share knowledge have greatly

helped many elements of the Central Services team to continually improve

and innovate. Thank you Liz!

2024 Staff Awards nominees

Adele Wallis Andi Petrou Angela Pettengell Angelica Bertolone Anna Bogacheva Anna-Maria van der Spoel Antony Baxter April Thompson Ashley Bath Bibi Burahee Cameron Oakaby-Wright Carla McBride Carlington Claire Carrie Lewis Catherine Smith Ceri-Anne Cremins Charlie Chambers Claire Todd Clare Altoft Darcie Ireland Diane Bargh Dylan Vizzachero Emily Wright Emma Brown Emma McIntyre Emma Singfield Esther Hibbin Fatimah Khanum Fiona Battelley Flora Richards Fozia Amin Hazel Todesco Helen Cox Helen Hayhoe Hilary Garrad Howard Biswell Jackie Chaney Jade Roberts Jennifer Harrison Jessica Graham Jessica Pryor Joelle Casotti John Forbes Judith Stephenson Julia Clark Julie Jones Karen Armstrong Katarzyna Todd Kate Rayner Katie Gillingham Kim Calnan Kirsty Bonwick Kirsty-Anne White Laura Piper Liron Marlow-Miron Liz Smith Louise Lavender Lynne Bennett Madison Creer Mandi Elliott Mary Haines Mary Tang Megan Jones Miriam Batual Kazmi Mitchell Davey Nadine Brenton Nancy Harrison Naomi Taylor Natalie Scott Nick Gray Nicola Harwood Noor Us Sabeen Kazmi Oliver Price Pamela Banayoti Paula Sutherland Rachel Carstairs Rebecca Wilkinson Rosalyn Godfrey Sabina Chowdhury Sadie Brown Sarah Huggins Sarah King Sarah Sephton Scott Simkin Sergio Pacheco Shand McLetchie-George Shannon Walker Sophie Wadmore Stephen Thompson Susan Poole Susan Savin Tammie Bolton Tom Cheeseman Vanesa Verna Estrada Vincent Lawlor Winston Carnegie Zahrain Haji Kassim