Kimpton Primary School teaching assistant up for national award
Hitchin and Harpenden MP Bim Afolami presents the HTLA award to Yvonne Matthews at Kimpton Primary School. Picture: Laura Brazier - Credit: Archant
A long-serving teaching assistant at Kimpton’s village school has been recognised as the best in the east of England – and is now set to go up for the national title.
Hitchin and Harpenden MP Bim Afolami presents the HTLA award to Yvonne Matthews at Kimpton Primary School. Picture: Laura Brazier - Credit: Archant
Yvonne Matthews, who has taught at Kimpton Primary School for 23 years, was presented with her Higher Level Teaching Assistant of the Year award by Hitchin and Harpenden MP Bim Afolami at a special assembly.
School head Tracy Clements told this paper that Yvonne – who lives in the village – was speechless when she found out why the assembly had been called.
Mrs Clements said: “Yvonne is an outstanding member of our staff and she’s highly valued by everyone.
“One of her roles is to work with the children on their phonics, and the impact she has on the children is phenomenal.
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“When the award came up, I and two of my senior member of staff entered Yvonne – and we found out during the summer that she had won the eastern region, which is fabulous.
“We kept it all as a surprise, and just said it was a special assembly this morning. Her face was a picture when we called her up – she was speechless.
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“Yvonne never loses her enthusiasm, and she’s committed to seeing the children learn. She thrives on seeing them grow and improve.
“She lives in the village, so she sees past pupils all the time – and she remembers everybody.”
Yvonne has taught at the school in Kimpton’s High Street since January 1994.
Her award, from the HLTA National Assessment Partnership, bears the words: “for her outstanding service to school and community”.
She will now go on to the national awards ceremony in London on November 20, along with eight other regional finalists.
After presenting the award, Mr Afolami said: “I was delighted to honour Yvonne Matthews – well done, Yvonne! – and it was an absolute pleasure to meet the fantastic staff of Kimpton Primary School. Thanks for inviting me down.”
To find out more, have a look at Kimpton Primary School’s website at kimpton.herts.sch.uk or give them a call on 01438 832394.
You can find out more about the HLTA National Assessment Partnership by visiting their website at hlta.org.uk.
