A wider contribution across school life
Lauren Matthews, Higher Level Teaching Assistant, is helping drive big improvements in phonics learning at Wallsend St Peter’s C of E Aided Primary School in Wallsend, North Tyneside.
Her contribution has been recognised with the Primary School Higher Level Teaching Assistant of the Year award in 2022. Deputy headteacher James Dey said Lauren’s work was the reason the school achieved phonics scores above national and local averages after several years below the national average.
How Lauren makes a difference
Lauren’s story shows how HLTA status can support school improvement, pastoral leadership and stronger outcomes for pupils across the whole setting.
Improving phonics outcomes
Lauren’s work in phonics has been recognised as a major factor in improving outcomes. School leaders credited her contribution with helping phonics scores rise above national and local averages.
Supporting staff and families
She also coaches staff in phonics and supports colleagues with parental engagement and early help assessments, helping strengthen practice beyond her own direct work with pupils.
Leading beyond the classroom
Lauren helps lead the management of safeguarding as a co-DSL, leads nurture groups for vulnerable learners and supports the school’s work on attendance, showing the breadth of responsibility an HLTA can hold.
Recognised impact across the school
- ✓Helped improve phonics outcomes to above national and local averages
- ✓Coaches staff in phonics and helps strengthen teaching practice
- ✓Supports safeguarding leadership as a co-DSL
- ✓Leads nurture groups and supports attendance for vulnerable learners
What leaders say about Lauren
- ✓James Dey described Lauren as a real powerhouse within the school
- ✓He said she is always smiling, always leading by example and never lets anyone down
- ✓He also said colleagues love working with her and children benefit from the standard of provision she helps create
Award recognition
Lauren was recognised as Primary School Higher Level Teaching Assistant of the Year.
Safeguarding leadership
Lauren helps lead safeguarding management as part of her wider school role.
School improvement
Her phonics work was credited by leaders as a key part of improving outcomes.
More about Lauren’s contribution
Lauren also supports colleagues on parental engagement and early help assessments, while managing behaviour rewards and helping ensure pupils receive recognition for their hard work and improved attendance.
According to James Dey, Lauren’s work helps pupils feel more confident, more resilient and happier at the end of the day. Her story shows the breadth of impact an experienced HLTA can have across both academic and pastoral areas of school life.
See what HLTA can look like in practice
Lauren’s story shows how HLTA status can support school improvement, strengthen pastoral leadership and create more opportunities to lead across your setting.