A POOLE teaching assistant has won a Silver Award in The Award for Teaching Assistant of the Year out of thousands of national nominations.

St Edward's School teaching assistant Dorota Hall has been honoured as one of 102 Pearson National Teaching Silver Award winners across the country.

Since joining St Edward’s School, Mrs Hall has made a "significant difference" to the learning of every child through her meticulously planned and engaging literacy lessons.

From this, she has now been shortlisted to win one of just 15 Gold Awards later in the year, in a programme which will be broadcast on the BBC.

St Edward's School Headteacher, Michael Antram said: "We are delighted that Mrs Hall has been awarded this prestigious title. We have been national finalists in previous teaching awards and strive for excellence in teaching here at St Edward’s which we see demonstrated every day in the achievements of our students and staff at our school.

"We are very proud of Mrs Hall’s achievement and all that she brings to the school."

The Silver Award winners are being honoured as part of the wider celebrations for 'Thank a Teacher Day', a national campaign to honour and recognise school staff for their incredible work.

Some of Mrs Hall's notable work at the school includes employing patience and determination to help students with considerable speech and communication challenges, leading to them socialising and engaging beyond expectations.

She also supports students and families beyond her role within the department and frequently liaises with students in English and Polish as needed, working closely with Polish families in their first language.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "Congratulations to all the Silver Award winning educators, and every teacher who has gone above and beyond, inspiring and shaping our future generations to be the best they can be.

"The hard work and dedication of teachers in schools, colleges and across the education sector during the pandemic has been inspiring, and while our teachers deserve the country’s recognition every year, this year’s Thank A Teacher Day is even more significant.

"The support they have provided children, young people and adults has been remarkable, and each and every one of us should be grateful for the part they have played over the past 18 months."