As we near the end of another busy and exciting year, we asked Councillor Suzy Horton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council to reflect on the last 12 months.
Suzy shares her highlights from the year, how schools are overcoming challenges, and a special message of thanks for those working in the city's schools and colleges.
Can you share your favourite education moments from 2024?
It's been another busy year with lots to celebrate. In no particular order, here are some highlights:
- Opening the 11th Portsmouth Inclusion Conference (pictured right) gave me an opportunity to highlight how far we have come in Portsmouth and how we are still leading the way in our innovative, relational practice.
- A mad dash from Liverpool to the Royal Albert Hall (and back) to hear our Cross Keys Choir sing in the Music for Youth Proms. 50 children singing their hearts out, representing the city, it was symbolic of the extensive opportunities that Portsmouth Music Hub continues to offer.
- Reading! I'm going to be cheeky and roll three into one. Working with our amazing library service, it's always great to be invited to the Year 5 Book Awards (or as I like to refer to it, the 'screaming about reading' event!), the secondary school Literature Quiz and the Summer Reading Challenge awards at Southsea Castle. Doors are opened in life by being literate; careers, mental health, navigating the world and especially the sheer enjoyment of getting lost in a book.
- Attending the All Staff Briefing! I have the biggest portfolio out of the Cabinet and can never possibly get to meet and know everyone. However, this gives me an opportunity to meet officers and hear what matters most so I know that when making decisions. It also gave me an opportunity to thank everyone.
Can you tell us about the challenges schools have faced in 2024, and how they've overcome these?
We are still feeling the impact of Covid, still experiencing a cost-of-living crisis and realising the effect this continues to have on families. This is manifesting in attendance, behaviour and mental health issues.
Portsmouth's schools have risen to the challenge by maintaining positive relationships with children, families and partners, including the council, for which I am grateful.
This year, Teach Portsmouth has hosted events to support those considering working with children, young people and families. What makes Portsmouth a special place to work?
These events have been such a pleasure to attend, and Teach Portsmouth are doing a great job at getting the word out there. It's easy for me to authentically say that Portsmouth is a good choice for so many reasons.
The Portsmouth Education Partnership keeps schools close. There's also inclusion support, neurodiversity work, Portsmouth Music Service, the School Library Service, an annual inclusion conference, links with youth services, link co-ordinators, and restorative and relational practice. Plus, an ongoing commitment to challenging the challenges as we are never complacent.
It's also a great place to live with museums and plenty of places to visit.What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
I'm looking forward to seeing how some of the positive commitments from the current government translate into practice and what that looks like for Portsmouth. The commitment to SEND reform, changes to Ofsted and early years investments are all things I will be watching.
And the return of the Teach Portsmouth Awards of course!
Do you have a special message for Portsmouth's teachers, support teams and leaders?
Thank you never seems to convey enough appreciation and gratitude to everyone who works in the education sector across the city - but thank you!
I hope you acknowledge and celebrate the difference you make in your communities.
Share your thanks with an education superhero!
If you know someone in a school or college who has gone above and beyond the call of duty this year, say thank you by nominating them for the people's choice award.
Nominations are open until Friday 20 December 2024.