About the school

St Nicholas Catholic High School, based in Hartford, Northwich, Cheshire, is proud to place inclusion and pupil support at the heart of its ethos. In April 2025, the school was awarded the Best Practice with Teaching Assistants Award (BPTAA), recognising the strategic steps it has taken to strengthen the role of Teaching Assistants (TAs) and maximise their impact on learning and wellbeing. The award was coordinated by Assistant Headteacher and SENCO, Heather Pardoe, working alongside Craig Burns.

Why the school chose the award

The school decided to embark on the award process to celebrate the fantastic work of its Teaching Assistants. Leaders wanted to highlight their contribution and ensure that systems of induction, professional development, and appraisal were consistently strong. The award offered a framework to recognise best practice while also identifying areas for growth.

The journey

As part of the process, St Nicholas evaluated how TAs were supported, trained, and integrated into the wider teaching team. One of the key areas identified for development was professional development for teaching assistants.

In response, the school strengthened its support and training programme, embedding appraisal systems and ensuring TAs were given opportunities to work more closely with teachers on planning and delivery. This not only improved consistency but also gave TAs a clearer sense of professional recognition and purpose.

Impact on students and families

The changes had a significant impact across the school community. Students with SEND, including those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), made improved progress as a result of more targeted interventions and closer collaboration between teachers and TAs. Parents also reported that they felt better supported, with greater confidence in how their children’s needs were being met.

The improvements went beyond pupil outcomes. The award helped strengthen recruitment and retention of teaching assistants, giving staff the confidence that their role was valued and invested in. As a result, the school has been able to retain a skilled and motivated team of support staff.

A positive experience

Staff at St Nicholas described the process of working towards the award as both reflective and rewarding. Collecting evidence gave the school a chance to demonstrate the clear impact of its Teaching Assistants, while the assessment visit became an opportunity for staff, parents, and pupils to share their positive experiences.

“The school enjoyed exploring the objectives and looking at how we could strengthen our support in schools. Collecting evidence helped us show a clear impact of our progress. During the assessment it was lovely to hear all the positive remarks our staff, parents and students wanted to share. Achieving the award is excellent for our whole school community and we are incredibly proud of our wonderful teaching assistants.” (School award coordinator)

Next steps

Looking ahead, St Nicholas aims to continue embedding these systems and to build even stronger partnerships with SEND families. By maintaining a sharp focus on professional development and family engagement, the school is determined to ensure that its Teaching Assistants continue to make a lasting difference to pupils’ learning, confidence, and wellbeing.

In their words

“At St Nicholas Catholic High School we are very proud of our teaching assistants and how they support our students. It has been great to see the development of this whilst the school have been working towards the award and I am very pleased the award has been achieved.”
Headteacher, St Nicholas Catholic High School

The Best Practice with Teaching Assistants Award has enabled St Nicholas Catholic High School to celebrate and strengthen the work of its TAs, while also making meaningful improvements for students and families. For the school, the award is more than a badge of recognition, it is a reflection of the value they place on their staff and their determination to secure the best outcomes for every child.

Interested in achieving the same impact?

The Best Practice with Teaching Assistants Award provides schools with a clear framework to manage, support, and develop teaching assistants strategically. It ensures they are fully equipped to contribute to positive pupil outcomes and thrive professionally.

👉 Find out more about the award and how your school can begin its journey today.