BPN goes national with HLTA of the Year Award

Best Practice Network is a leading nationwide provider of the HLTA programme. In 2023 we launched our own ‘National HLTA of the Year’ awards.

Three winners were chosen from dozens of entries to the award, which celebrates the outstanding achievements of HLTAs working in primary, secondary and special schools.

They were: Lauren Matthews of Wallsend St Peter’s C of E Aided Primary School in North Tyneside (primary), Becky Larby of Springwood Campus, Linwood School, Bournemouth (special) and Shirley Crowley of Kirkby High School, Knowsley (secondary). Six runners-up were also chosen.

Primary winner Lauren Matthews (pictured with her award) is driving big improvements in phonics learning. Deputy headteacher James Dey said Lauren’s work was the reason the school achieved above national and local averages in phonics scores after several years below the national average.

A real powerhouse, Lauren also coaches staff in phonics, helps to lead the management of safeguarding at the school as a co-DSL and supports colleagues on parental engagement and early help assessments. She also leads nurture groups for vulnerable learners and leading on attendance.

“Lauren is always smiling, always leading by example,” James adds. “She completes the vast majority of her tasks within a quick timeframe and never ever lets anyone down. Her colleagues love working with her.

“Without Lauren school would not be as fun, interesting and the children wouldn’t get the same standard of provision.”