Welcome

I hope you are sitting comfortably with colleagues to watch the 2021 Islington Education Awards, brought to you this year on film. We are so sorry that we have been unable to meet in person! Thank you so much to all of you who participated in making these awards possible. It’s been a real revelation to see how the Islington Community of Schools (ICoS) has come together this year by nominating colleagues and filming the award presentations. And of course, ICoS hasn’t just supported the awards – you have all supported one another – in school, out of school and between schools.

As always we are celebrating the amazing work of Islington’s education professionals. Working far ‘It is important to acknowledge the experiences and skills beyond the call of duty this year and last, our nominees have all demonstrated exceptional ambition, that lockdown has enabled children to have and develop. For many, innovation and excellence. Throughout the borough, Islington schools and settings have been beacons it has been incredibly challenging, but for others it has also been an in the storm that has been Covid, providing not just education, but food, tech and support to children and families both during term time and holidays. Please look out for examples of some of the many opportunity they wouldn’t have had otherwise, like spending ways that schools responded to the opportunities that Covid presented in our Silver Linings stories more time with their families, learning how to learn by themselves, throughout the programme – and in the film. and having extra time to find andexplore new hobbies.’ You will notice that the awards feature fewer categories this year. That’s because we anticipated having Yerbury Primary School to either hold a smaller in-person event or a film. Nevertheless we received nearly 100 nominations for nine awards across schools and settings in all phases, with each person, team or school put forward by their colleagues and peers. Choosing the winners was tough for all the judges, who were unanimous in their praise for the quality of the nominations. We are so glad to have the opportunity to showcase Islington’s best educators, each of whom shows ambition, innovation and excellence in their work.

Maggie Elliott Ann Dwulit Chair, Islington Community of Schools, Chair of Governors, Vice-Chair, Islington Community of Schools The Edventure Collaborative and Governor, City of Academy Executive Headteacher, Moreland/St Luke’s Primary Schools Highbury Grove and Hargrave Park Primary School It would be hard for the events of last year not to have changed us, and the way we do certain things.

Across Islington, those working in education have shown agility in leadership, flexibility in thought and dedication to securing the best for our children and young people - meaning challenges became opportunities. ‘Staff arranged food parcels for our families from The ‘silver linings’ you’ll see throughout this programme, shared by many local charities as well as organising hygiene settings across the borough, define our ambition and innovation. essential packages. Our families, on their own accord, organised food vouchers and Christmas gifts for our vulnerable families and the offer has been remarkable.’

Prior Weston Primary School and Children’s Centre

‘Despite the many challenges of the closing ‘The school remained open at all times regardless of of the school for our children and families, the problems we encountered on this journey like no heating Children’s Champions were instrumental for a month when we had to keep all the windows open for in loaning out over 100 devices ensuring that ventilation. We did this with a smile on our face, and covered every child in the school had access to a head to toe with heavy coats, gloves and hats.’ device and data.’

Grafton Primary School Parents of Hanover Primary School And the nominees are... Senior Leader of the Year Bright Start Early Years Educator of the Year in association with Reed Talent Solutions. Presented by Siobhán McSweeney Presented by Kaya Comer-Schwartz

Sue Brownson Gabby London Sharon Kelly Rae Armes Aleta Ramsay Ruby Uddin Deputy Head and Lead for Deaf Provision, Senior Lead, CurioCity Childcare Deputy Head/Head of Centre, New River 0-3 Coordinator, Prior Weston Primary School Nursery Teacher, Hugh Myddelton Primary Senior Early Years Educator, Laycock Primary School College Medical PRU and Children’s Centre School Archway Children’s Centre

‘Her understanding of deaf children’s complex ‘Gabby brings creativity and a positive working ‘Sharon finds solutions to challenges that make ‘An excellent role model for children and staff, ‘Everyone needs an Aleta in their school – we ‘Her sensitive approach enables children needs has ensured that collaborative work with spirit to the whole team and inspires all to pupils and staff feel empowered, fostering a which leads to her getting the best out of them. don’t know what we would do without her!’ to self-regulate. She uses different creative all the education and health professionals have achieve outstanding practice.’ sense of togetherness and team spirit that is Learners want to be like her!’ approaches to ensure she is meeting children’s supported children’s development.’ essential to working in this environment.’ needs holistically.’ Remote Learning Support Staff of the Year Presented by Peter Hoar in association with Transform Islington. Presented by

Paul Beeton Satya Maremanda David Shemoon Gary Atkinson Samuel Owusu Ninfa Restrepo Assistant Head, Hanover Primary School Assistant Head – Digital Strategy, Assistant Head, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Premises Manager, The Edventure Teaching Assistant, Arts and Media School Teaching Assistant, Y3 and Specialist SEND Newington Green and Rotherfield Primary School Collaborative Islington Provision, Canonbury Primary School Schools Partnership ‘Gary is our long-standing, much loved, ‘Samuel’s work ethic is excellence personified ‘Her exceptional depth of knowledge and ‘The speed and success of our transition to home ‘Satya drove innovation in online learning, ‘Through an innovative funding scheme, David incredibly hard-working, hugely respected, wise and he is an ideal role model for our young experience of working with SEN means she has learning was thanks largely to Paul’s hard work, contributing to successful improvement in our ensured that every student had their own device, and wonderful premises manager.’ people with whom he has established rapport supported every single staff member with high enthusiasm and determination.’ live online teaching offer.’ meaning that all could access quality education, and respect.’ quality intervention work.’ whatever their circumstances.’ Headteacher of the Year Teacher of the Year in association with Discovery Education. Presented by Tamzin Outhwaite in association with London Metropolitan University. Presented by Paul Whitehouse

Jack Sloan Francis González Deborah Shepherd Mohamed Abdelmula Fajri Aitken Hannah Perkins Headteacher, Hanover Primary School Headteacher, Richard Cloudesley School Headteacher, St Mary Magdalene KS4 Director of Learning and Maths Lead Maths Teacher, St Mary Magdalene Class Teacher and Maths Lead, Prior Weston Academy – The Courtyard Teacher, Beacon High School Academy – The Courtyard Primary School and Children’s Centre

‘His leadership through the pandemic has been ‘He is focused on the best outcomes for pupils ‘She continues to pursue perfection – the pupils ‘Mo relentlessly displays a strong belief in ‘What sets Fajri aside from the rest is his ‘Hannah is an enthusiastic and exemplary. His commitment to children is and ensuring schools share best practice and are not merely numbers, they’re unique the positive outcomes and progress that our investment in pupils who have experienced passionate teacher who wants the best remarkable as is his resilience in the face of expertise. Intent, implementation and impact individuals and she makes an effort to know students and school can achieve.’ difficulties and sometimes trauma. He invests outcomes for children and ensures very difficult times.’ are never far from his thoughts.’ every single one.’ time and limitless energy to achieve their emotional wellbeing is at the heart of all she potential.’ does.’ Green Award Governing Board of the Year Presented by Rosie Kurnaz in association with The Key. Presented by Michelline Ngongo

Hargrave Park Primary School Montem Primary School Pooles Park Primary School City of London Primary Highbury Community Nursery Samuel Rhodes School Academy Islington ‘All children are invested in the maintenance of ‘Pupil voice is at the heart of our work on ‘Teachers regularly use our garden as an outdoor the school’s outdoor plants, which provide flowers, sustainability. Pupils have transformed the classroom to teach our pupils in many subjects ‘Keeping the school fresh and innovative ‘The Management Committee has proved that ‘All governors have brought their expertise into fruit & vegetables – including pumpkins that school’s approach to recycling and are working – in science, for exploring wildlife habitats and against the challenge of not having a no task is too much or out of reach for the HCN play this year, be it logistical planning or were Halloween disco prizes!’ to keep our playgrounds clean and litter-free.’ learning about lifecycles.’ permanent home. Governors adopt a holistic trustees. They are pro-active in seizing all the charitable leaders, and it has been very much a approach to children and their learning.’ opportunities to strengthen the school.’ feel of ‘all hands on deck’.’ Covid Champion in association with City, University of London. Presented by Linzi Roberts-Egan

‘Before Covid, around 30% of our students did not have access to a PC, laptop, Mac or other such large screen device at home. Now though, every single one of our students has their own Chromebook. Before Covid, not all of our teachers had realised the positive impact that using Christ the King RC Primary Grafton Primary School Abigail Miles School Y1 Class Teacher and PE Lead, online teaching and learning platforms could bring. Now Majella Brogan, Teresa Duignan and Tracey Thornhill Primary School Daniel – Children’s Champions/Learning though, every one of our teachers uses Google Classroom in Support Assistants every lesson.’ ‘The impact of their work has been felt ‘School staff worked with courage, ‘By providing PE home kits for every single across our school community – from positive motivation and ambition through the pandemic child, videos and newsletters, she ensured that Beacon High School attendance figures, the progress children – and as a result, the children are doing children and families could maintain their have made to the reduction in behaviour extremely well and are focused, calm and keen.’ fitness and mental well-being.’ incidents situations’

‘As a group you have consistently showed our children that you care about them, given them kindness, and showed Outstanding Achievement Award them that things will be fine, that this will pass. You have also Presented by not gone to the worst excesses of rules and regulations, that

Congratulations to Penny Barratt of The Bridge London Trust. would worry or constrain them unnecessarily, and that’s been so important to see.’ This award recognises an extraordinary contribution to Parents Hanover Primary School children and young people over many years, and showcases someone who represents the very best in Islington education. Meet our presenters

Our host Konnie Huq Christopher Eccleston Denise Welch Kaya Comer-Schwartz Linzi Roberts-Egan Michelline Ngongo

In 2007 Konnie Huq saw out her Salford-born Christopher Eccleston Denise was born in Whitley Bay and Kaya is the Leader of Islington Linzi Roberts-Egan started as a Michelline is Executive Member for tenth and final year in is one of the country’s most highly has starred in many TV series Council. Born and raised in teacher in Redbridge and went on to Children Young People and Families, after becoming their 26th presenter regarded actors working today. He including , Islington, Kaya has represented become an Executive Headteacher and also councillor for the Hillrise on 1 December 1997. Since then, is the recipient of an Emmy Award Waterloo Road and, of course, Loose Junction Ward since 2013. leading a mainstream primary ward. She has been presenting Zoo Days and two BAFTA Award nominations, Women. She is currently a series During her tenure as Executive school and two Pupil Referral Units, for Channel 5, jetting around the and is best known for his work on regular on C4’s Hollyoaks. Member, Islington Children’s one primary and one secondary, in Since Michelline’s appointment, she world as the presenter for the Red television and in film – in particular services department received an Thurrock. has successfully set up a Parents’ Bull Air Race on as well for his collaborations with directors Denise has also written her most ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted and In 2010 Linzi became Director of Voice Forum to share concerns and as presenting for GMTV. such as Danny Boyle and Michael recent ‘non-fiction’ book based on the Council’s leadership was praised Children’s Services in Newham. She receive updates on matters relating Winterbottom and writers Peter suffering from mental illness for 30 for its ‘unwavering commitment to then joined Waltham Forest, taking up to education, parenting and social She is currently an ambassador for Flannery, Jimmy McGovern and years called ‘The Unwelcome Visitor’ improving and enriching the lives of the role of Deputy Chief Executive and care. Michelline has also set up a the Princes’ Trust and the British Russell T. Davies. has become a best-seller. children and their families’. Director of Families and Housing. Youth Forum to meet regularly to Asian Trust and has also written collaborate on activities, provide her own series of children’s books. He currently stars in the BBC drama She is experienced in governance Linzi has been Chief Executive of support and address any concerns. The A Word and was recently seen through her roles as trustee and Islington Council since September on stage with the Royal Shakespeare governor in schools and charities. 2019 where she leads 5,000 staff in Michelline’s priorities also include Company in the leading role of delivering services to local residents, launching a reading programme, Macbeth. Kaya’s professional background is in businesses and visitors. reviewing children’s social care and the charitable sector. reducing school exclusions. Paul Whitehouse Peter Hoar Siobhán McSweeney Tamzin Outhwaite Youth Council

Paul is an iconic actor, performer Peter is an acclaimed TV director Siobhán is from Cork, Ireland and Tamzin first found national fame Rosie Kurnaz has been elected and writer who has been involved who most recently directed and trained at Central School of Speech in 1998 when she was cast as Islington’s new Young Mayor, and in many of the best-loved comedy executive produced It’s A Sin, which & Drama and Ecole Phillippe Mel Healy in EastEnders and was holds the office for a year as part shows over the last 25 years aired on Channel 4 in January to Gaulier. She has worked extensively responsible for many iconic soap of Islington’s Youth Council. Youth winning five BAFTAs and being glowing 5* reviews and had over in theatre including the Royal moments before the character councillors are responsible for awarded the Writer’s Guild of Great 6.5 million viewers in its first week Court, National Theatre, Donmar finally left in 2019. In July 2013, making sure the opinions of young Britain Award at the 2013 British making it All 4’s biggest-ever drama Warehouse, Royal Exchange, she joined the cast of the popular people in the borough are heard. Comedy Awards. launch. Barbican and the Abbey in Dublin. BBC One comedy-drama series They also work with council officers Her screen work includes No as DCI Sasha Miller, and councillors to ensure young Paul recently starred in Only Fools Previously, Peter launched detective Offence, The Fall, LondonIrish and in May 2020 she played Indie people have a key role in planning, and Horses The Musical, co-written drama Shetland for ITV Studios/ and of course Derry Girls. She is Hendricks in Dun Breedin, a project designing, delivering and reviewing with Jim Sullivan, appearing as BBC, starring acclaimed Scottish the presenter of The Great Pottery about women who are going through services. Grandad, and alongside old friend actor Douglas Henshall, and as lead Throwdown. the menopause during lockdown. Bob Mortimer in BBC2’s hugely director on crime drama Vera. successful ‘Gone Fishing’. She lived in Islington for many Most recently, Tamzin appeared as years and is in awe of educators and Scarecrow on The Masked Dancer. the extraordinary work they have She was unmasked in the final and done every year, but especially this finished in fourth place. year. A word from our sponsors

“City, University of London is proud to be one of the sponsors of the “Teachers have worked incredibly hard to continue educating Islington Education Awards. It is amazing to be part of a community students throughout a very challenging year. London Met has a of educators who support students and their families in such creative, long-held commitment to enhancing opportunities through caring, and collaborative ways. The Islington Education Awards education, and we are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our spotlight not only individual successes but highlights the shared extraordinary local schools and colleges at the Islington Education success, care and sense of community that supports our young Awards through sponsorship of the 2021 Teacher of the Year people to achieve.” category.” Sarah Wood, Widening Participation Manager Sophie Cloutterbuck, Director of London Engagement

Discovery Education is the global leader in curriculum-aligned digital Reed Talent Solutions is delighted to be given the opportunity to resources and professional learning for primary and secondary sponsor an award at the Islington Education Awards. Learning and schools. Their brand new CPD programme created in partnership Development is at the heart of everything we do and education with NAHT, Discovery Education Pathway, is transforming teaching recruitment is a key part of our business. We are so pleased to and learning, creating immersive learning experiences and improving strengthen our relationship with London Borough of Islington and academic achievement in thousands of UK primary schools. its schools in this way and would like to congratulate all those nominated. “Discovery Education is pleased to be able to celebrate excellence in Lindsey Tunstall, Client Director this profession by sponsoring the ‘Headteacher of the Year’ award in the Islington Education Awards 2021. We are looking forward to celebrating the achievements, enthusiasm, and expertise that our educators bring to their jobs. Well done and good luck to all” Transform Islington is delighted to sponsor the Support Staff of Andrew Hammond, Senior Director, Learning & Community the Year category this year. We have first-hand experience of how the leadership, commitment and ambition of headteachers can be transformative for schools and their pupils. Kalpesh Savjani The Key offers award-winning services including GovernorHub, Arbor and ScholarPack to 16,000 schools across the UK, providing school leaders with both ‘Knowledge to Act’ and sector-leading school management software. The Key is headquartered in Islington. Chris Kenyon, CEO About the judges

Amal Khalaf

Amal is a curator and artist and currently Director of Programmes at Cubitt and Nobody would have wished for the pandemic, but it has meant we have had to Civic Curator at the Serpentine Galleries where she has worked on the Edgware innovate and to re-evaluate what is important, and rely upon one another in new Road Project since its inception in 2009. The projects she commissions look to ways. histories of radical pedagogy to create spaces to work collectively, developing a political practice beyond institutional frameworks. She is a founding member It sometimes felt in the past that school is quite removed from home. Despite our of artist collective GCC, a trustee for not/no.w.here and Art Night and on the best efforts, schools did not always succeed in involving families with their artistic committee for Arts Catalyst. children’s learning.

Andrew Hammond Like all schools, we tried. We sent letters home in book bags, we held parents evenings and coffee mornings and summer fairs. We sent out parent surveys and Andrew has worked in schools as a Headteacher, Deputy Head, Director of congratulated ourselves on our slow but steady progress. Studies, Housemaster, Head of English and class teacher. He is currently Senior Director of Learning & Community at Discovery Education, where his latest work But Covid put a rocket under that. Suddenly, meaningful communication was involves a collaboration with NAHT, developing an online holistic programme absolutely critical. Across Islington, schools found ways to engage parents and that supports the continuous professional development of teachers and leaders children, they learned from each other, they listened to their communities and in today’s schools. acted fast. Schools worked together to share information, to discuss strategies, to improve systems. Being in a local authority like Islington has been a godsend, and Maggie Elliot (Chair) I know I speak for all my headteacher colleagues when I say that I could not have coped with this alone. Not only have schools shared information effectively, but Maggie Elliott has been a governor of a number of Islington schools in the last 15 years and has chaired the Islington Community of Schools since 2018. She is they’ve offered moral support across the borough, which has been critical to our vice-chair of Islington Giving, and a trustee of Cloudesley, a 500-year old Islington ability to cope under immense pressure. charity. In her working life, she is a partner in a marketing consultancy firm. This is not a moment in history that any of us would wish for, but schools all over Dame Sue John Islington have emerged stronger, more determined and better equipped to meet the needs of our children and young people because of the work we have done to Dame Sue was the headteacher of Lampton School in Hounslow from 1997 develop relationships during this time. I am really excited about the next chapter. to 2015. The school was included in the 2010 Ofsted publication Twelve Jack Sloan, Headteacher, Hanover Primary School Outstanding Secondary Schools: excelling against the odds. She was the Director of the London Leadership Strategy for secondary schools during the London Challenge. Sue has held directorships at the DfE, Future and Teaching Leaders and is currently the Chair of the South London TSA and Charles Dickens Research School. Sue is a member of the Sutton Trust Education Advisory Group, the advisory group for the Fair Education Alliance and the Royal Society’s curriculum group. Ambition We know we can only achieve this ambition by working differently with existing partners and engaging new ones.

Innovation We want the experience of all children and young people in Islington to be equitable, fair and enriched.

Excellence ICoS harnesses the huge enthusiasm, professional expertise and experience of education professionals.