Every year, we look back at the education landscape in the city with Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council. In this year's edition, Suzy shares her standout moments as she reflects on the last 12 months in the city. 

Teach Portsmouth is a Portsmouth City Council initiative to support the recruitment of teachers, support teams and leaders for the city's schools and academies. We work closely with councillors on different campaigns and events to raise the profile of what we do. Councillor Suzy Horton took time out to talk to us about her hopes for the year ahead.

What was your favourite moment in education from 2022?

I have many moments from the last year but two that standout for me include a flash mob outside Southsea Library and the Holiday and Food (HAF) Pompey programme. The flash mob outside Southsea Library was an amazing example of partnership working. Pupils from Redwood Park Academy, Mary Rose Academy and City of Portsmouth College danced to celebrate the opening of The Café Collective inside the library.

A flash mob performance captured on film outside Southsea Library to celebrate the opening of the The Café Collective.
(Source: The News) 

It was lovely to see such an important facility open to increase employability in the area for children and young people.

The Holiday and Food Programme (HAF) has also been a welcome initiative to support families in the city. Through government funding, we have been able to extend the programme. I visited Arundel Court School who were supporting pupils through sporting activities in the playground. They also took part in cooking lessons where pupils shared their creations online through social media. Our work to ensure inclusivity is embedded as part of the scheme - it's even been highlighted by the Department for Education. 

Last year, we spoke about the effects of COVID and how this had impacted pupils in the classroom. With the cost of living ever present, how has this impacted education so far, from your perspective?

This year, Teach Portsmouth have introduced a series of information events to support the recruitment of teaching assistants in the classroom. What would you say to someone interested in becoming a teaching assistant?

The Teach Portsmouth Awards will return next year on 29 June 2023. We'll be recognising even more groups of people, including governors and early years practitioners. How important is it to recognise different groups of people within education settings?

It is so important to recognise the breadth of roles in education across the city; we're one big education family in Portsmouth - so it's fantastic we can come altogether to celebrate people's achievements. Everyone who works in 'education' will tell you how much they value other colleagues, working together to support children and young people.

What are your hopes for education next year?

Do you have a special message for Portsmouth's teachers, support teams and headteachers?

I would like to thank everyone for their ongoing work to support children, young people and families across the city. I would like to thank those who have welcomed me into their schools and classrooms, invited me to concerts, prize-giving, careers and eco events. It has been a pleasure to bump into many of you in person this year. I wish all our teachers, support teams and head teachers a restful and happy Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

Looking ahead to 2023

With exciting events planned for the new year, we can't wait to share our plans with you. Be the first to hear about them by subscribing to our monthly newsletter.