Miss Jennifer Phillips
Teaching Awards 2009 Winner
The TDA Award for Teaching Assistant of the Year in Wales
The Hollies School, CARDIFF
When one of her disabled pupils was unable to use his computer by operating switches with his feet because of muscle spasms, Jennifer Phillips adapted them so he could use his chin instead, placing the switches on pieces of sponge. Whenever any of her students encounter a difficulty, she always finds a solution.
Jennifer has worked at The Hollies, a special school for children with disabilities and learning problems, for the past 25 years. Colleagues and parents don’t know what they would do without her, and she has their complete trust. She works tirelessly to ensure that every child is inspired and challenged to learn, and take part in activities that most people would feel were beyond them.
As a result, children who use wheelchairs participate in football matches and Boccia (a game similar to bowls) tournaments. Jennifer promotes all sporting activities as a means of making children feel included, raising their confidence and self-esteem. She uses ICT effectively to enhance their learning and daily life experiences. One parent, whose son has cerebral palsy, said Jennifer was “the rock on which we have relied to manage our son’s needs”.
She is very discreet with her support in the classroom, ensuring the pupils do not become reliant on her input and remain as independent as possible. But if the challenge is too great, Jennifer breaks down objectives into small, achievable goals. Pupils respond well to this approach and can see their progress. Colleagues like and respect her for her team-work, professionalism and expertise, and seek her out for support and advice. As a TA, Jennifer works closely with teachers to ensure learning objectives are relevant and met.
Jennifer’s care for her pupils is not restricted to school-time. She organises outings, supports families by making hospital visits, and contributes to community life as leader of a Brownie pack. She also fundraises on behalf of The Hollies. Jennifer subscribes to sports channels at home so she is up-to-date with football and cricket scores, and can discuss the weekend’s fixtures with her pupils.
A colleague said that Jennifer’s “loyalty, commitment, enthusiasm, and love of her work shines through every single day”. Judges described her as “remarkable”.
