2020 Love Local Award Winners: Teacher or Childcarer Sponsored by CNG.

Harrogate Mumbler Love Local “Teacher or Childcarer” Award Sponsored by CNG

Initially we said that we would only publish the nomination  comments when we got 5 or more but having read them all, we’ve decided to ditch that rule! Everyone who received a nomination deserves to read their message/s of thanks & support!

Thanks to our amazing award sponsor, CNG, we have some lovely certificates to give out to all nominees. We hope that it will be a lovely reminder for you in the future about how grateful the Harrogate & Knaresborough community are for everything that you do.

If you are a nominee & you would like to claim your certificate then please fill in this quick form here so that we know where to send it to!

If you know any of the nominees, please be sure to tell them they’ve been nominated! We want to spread this lovely news far & wide.

We’ve also got some digital badges for all nominees. Please help yourself & download your badge.  You are welcome to use them wherever you want- on your social media channels, on your websites etc. Let everyone know how loved you are!

Click here to download “We’re Loved Locally” badge as a PDF

Click here to download “Star Teacher & Childcarer” badge as a PDF

Love from Sally, Kate, Kayti & Evie at Harrogate Mumbler x

P.S Coming next on Thursday 9th July is the “Star School” celebration blog.

Winners of the 2020 Harrogate Mumbler Love Local “Teacher or Childcarer” Award 

(In alphabetical order-ish! Apologies if a few are out of order, but I have copied them exactly as you wrote them on the nomination form. Some are by first name, some by surname & some by title! Sal x)

Alix Hunter

• Alix is a wonderful person, mother and nanny. Throughout the pandemic she has lovingly and thoughtfully cared for not only her own family but supported those with children around her sending out gift packs and keep busy bags for children of differing ages. She is now homeschooling as a nanny and still continuing to provide love and support to others around her. Without her compassion I would not have got through some really dark days and I absolutley admire her commitment to the childcare profession on several levels.
• During lockdown, our nanny Alix Hunter was amazing. She not only stayed in touch regularly virtually with us but she made different activities and worksheets for our children and left them on our doorstep. Thank you Alix, you are amazing!

Ami Stott – Rhythm Time

• She has gone above and beyond to make sure those that attend her groups are getting their money’s worth during lockdown. As well as checking in on people, and giving parcels and gifts of kindness away time and time again. She has bought a smile on so many occasions and deserves a medal for all she has been juggling the last few months.. not only looking after others, but working hard, homeschooling and running other small businesses!

Amy Dobrashian – Year 6 Willow Tree

• Miss D rocks! Impossible to communicate exactly why. She was hugely supportive to my son when he was in year 5 and struggling, she wasn’t even his teacher. This year he was lucky enough to have her as his teacher. She has managed to get him back to loving being at school and he has excelled under her tuition. She has been key to his success and I have no worries about his success at high school even taking into account lockdown. Amy has been just as available during this difficult time. Nothing is ever too much trouble, she has been receptive whenever I have needed to talk to her. Always laughing and smiling. So responsible and so young. I joke that she is my “adultier adult”. Even if Amy doesn’t win, I want to say a huge thank you to her.

Anne-marie Haddington

• Not only is she a teaching assistant but has put in hours on hours of effort in and out of school time to make sure the children that attend feel safe, happy and have fun learning. On top of being a teaching assistant she opened up a before and after school club where she continues to ensure the children are safe, and have fun. On top of this, during the coronavirus lockdown she knew the year 6 pupils would not receive a leaving party, so she took it upon herself to fundraise so that the pupils could all get a leaving hamper full of all the goodies they would normally get at a leaving party.

Ashleigh Miller Kettlesing School

• She is so kind and friendly to all the pupils my son loves her

Beth Atkinson at Grove Road

• She has offered incredible support to my daughter throughout this time, and has called to speak with her and myself. She has read stories to the children online and puts the most wonderful and exciting activities for them to do while at home. She always leaves positive comments on their work, and through all of this, has worked at the school during lockdown with all the key workers children. Very grateful and blessed!

Brightstart childminders ripon

• Michelle and Alison have worked right through this pandemic caring for key workers children. They go above and beyond to keep the children safe and things as normal as Possible for them.

Charlotte Baxter Maths Tutor

• Charlotte is my maths tutor and she helps me with the things I am struggling on and also teaches me new subjects that I don’t know. x
• For being the most amazing maths tutor for my daughter during lockdown. Kind, patient and supportive

Charlotte Voakes- Grove Road 

• She’s my daughters teacher at Grove Road, when we struggled printing an activity she took the time to print it off for us and come drop it off, when I was worried she wasn’t doing the work as much she reassured me not to worry also she’s just a wonderful teacher who I’ve had the pleasure to meet and teach 3 of my children.

Chris Parkhouse (Grove Road Headteacher)

• A truly inspirational and caring individual who has done everything with a reasurring smile on his face, even when things must have being tricky and incredibly difficult for him. Not only supporting the children from his own school, but key worker and vulnerable children from other schools as the Hub. Working himself on weekends and throughout holidays to ensure welcoming and caring provision was available for our children in the scariest of times. For Grove Road he does a weekly online assembly, sets fun challenges like ‘Rap a book’ challenge and learn a new skill. Delivers food to children who need it. Writes a song to thank his hardworking staff for all that they’re doing. Again the list could go on. He is so inspirational and makes both children and families feel incredibly cared for. He truly deserves this recognition.

Claire Brown

• She is amazing teacher assistant who goes up above and beyond for anyone and everyone

Clare Howes – Western Primary

• Mrs Howes has brought a ray of sunshine into our house 4 days a week for the past few months. Not only has she provided fun Zoom lessons for my daughter, she has done so with great humour while juggling the needs of her young daughters. They have been a much-loved addition to her Zoom lessons but I appreciate just how hard it must be to parent these beautiful girls at the same time as Zooming into 30+ other households!

Creation Station

• Sharon at creation station has been a ‘virtual art teacher’ once a week with our two boys. Every week we receive our pack of arts and crafts and do the fun project on our kitchen table with Sharon advising and guiding us over zoom. It’s been almost as fun as the real weekly classes.

David Riddle-Kumon

• For helping us with our homeschooling challenge!
• He’s gone over and above with attention, care and service to his customers during lockdown. Trying hard to help the children who attend his centre, move things online and also motivate the children with weekly prize draws.
• David, Amy and Rose-Helping Kumon students with their work. They have very supportive and helpful.

Dawn Taylor- Coppice Valley Primary

• Dawn is our school office manager at Coppice Valley Primary and throughout all the lockdown she has been a superstar, so supportive not only for our families But also she has been the staffs rock. She has worked endless hours, read 100s of amended documents with Mrs Meadus to open the school safely and Her positivity and energy in ensuring all staffs wellbeing is good has been truly outstanding. She is one of the reasons as a school we shine , Dawn Taylor is our brightest star.

Deborah – Language Learners

• Deborah has been running fantastic online French classes via Zoom for 3-4yr olds! It’s no mean feet to entertain and educate pre-schoolers for half an hour in a classroom let alone online. However her approach with the kids has been fantastic so much so that they all love it, are fully engaged for 30mins and have a great time! Thank you to Deborah and the Language Learners team

Emma Foster

• For carrying on and volunteering to work with a new nursery and new children after we had merged. Also for giving staff updates on how the children are doing and remaining positive throughout this whole experience. So proud of you!

Enid Moorhouse Dacre Braithwaite school,

• Receptionist/ Admin of Dacre Braithwaite school, Enid is the glue that holds the school in place and throughout the difficult period she helped me in so many ways, called and checked I was ok and coping and has been a massive support. This woman has been at the school many years and I for one think she’s absolutely amazing !

Fern McCormack

• Fern continued to work hard each and ever day throughout this pandemic, caring for the children with a smile on her face! Shes amazing!

Georgia at Little Explorers Nursery

• She has been an absolute star throughout lockdown and now playing a huge role in the return to Nursery life for families. My son has settled back into nursery with ease and loves playing with Georgia. Always smiling and making you feel more confident about the current times.

Grove Road Harrogate-All Staff

• Have gone beyond and above daily online work and catch ups. Making sure the children do not miss out on their education.

Hannah McNamara Oatlands Junior School

• Acting Headteacher of Oatlands Junior School, covering maternity leave, she was thrown in at the deep end with Covid 19. Has been a calm and reassuring presence. Caring about children, parents and staff. Working all hours including weekends to ensure everyone is safe, and those that need to can come to school in a safe and happy environment.

Harcourt nursery

• For staying open for key workers & for taking new kids on during the pandemic

Hazel roman

• Excellent teacher and activity provider.

Jennie Lyons – Summerbell Dance Academy

• Miss Jennie goes above and beyond to deliver fun, inclusive and friendly dance classes, which the students enjoy being a part of so much! During the lockdown Miss Jennie has provided practice videos, fun activities, challenges and zoom chats to keep the community spirit going and keep the kids engaged and busy! I’m sure Miss Jennie is an inspiration to a generation of young children to grow up to be kind and caring, hard working, fun and friendly!
• She has been my dance teacher for over 7 years and has been the most incredible role model and supporter! I started dancing when I was 15 which is quite late and she helped me through all of my exams and eventually I got into university to study musical theatre and now I am a dance teacher myself! If I can be half the teacher and support my students the way she does I will be so lucky!

Jessica Houseman

• Extremely helpful over lockdown and very dedicated to her work and pupils!

Julie Batty

• A loving teacher and very hardworking, makes students feel happy and welcome.

Julie Shaw- Nidderdale children’s day nursery, kids at heart

• The nursery has been open throughout and has done so much for the children. Regular contact, Facebook videos, messages, learning packs, right through to the re-opening of all the nursery to all children, Julie (the owner) has had the staff and children’s interests at heart the entire time.

Katie Ward Burnt Yates School

• I would like to nominate Katie ward of burntyates school. For the hard work and dedication to providing the best education and support during the pandemic.
• All her dedication to her school. She’s has worked tirelessly for her key stage 1 children whilst also home schooling her own children. She’s a true star xx

Kelly Nevett Performatots 

• Kelly has gone above and beyond for her preschool children families and staff. While unknown to what is going to happen next in lockdown she’s always kept a smile on her face and organised for her team to move the pre school online. She’s been like superwoman with it all. Kelly truly deserves this
• Performatots have been excellent online support during lockdown

Kirsten Stewart Western 

• Nursery lead at Western has been fabulous! She was so interactive while having her own children at home and is just as much so despite being back working. The kids love seeing her and hearing her voice. Their faces just light up!

Lauren Meakes – Playaway Nursery

• Lauren at Play Away has been amazing with my daughter who absolutely loves her. Thank you for everything you do!!
• Playaway nursery has been through many changes with a new ownership and three managers in the last year. Lauren has been a stable positive influence for the preschoolers throughout this time and now in lockdown looked after key workers children and welcomed back those who had stayed at home with such enthusiasm and love. My little boy talked about her constantly during his time away from nursery and hers was the face he most wanted to see. Thank you Lauren for you enthusiasm, dedication and genuine fondness for our children.
• My son has been going to nursery from 10 months old and he started at playaway at aged 2.5 years. Every single drop off he has cried, until Lauren became his key worker. He thinks the world of her. She is a total superstar and has pretty much ran the pre school during the pandemic. She truly deserves recognition for her positive attitude, her friendly and caring ways, and the incredible bond she forms with all those she cares for.
• She is amazing, so positive and caring both before lockdown and throughout. She is a key person in my sons life, so much so that he wanted to proudly tell her about becoming a big brother. They had a long catch up chat and he can’t wait to go back and see her! Thank you Lauren, you’re amazing and loved by all!
• Lauren is so wonderful! She always goes over and above what’s needed! She has steered the (pre-school) ship through some rocky waters before lockdown and during. All the pre-school parents rave about her! She is the reason my daughter loves going to pre-school. Lauren makes it a home from home for her. She’s so kind and caring. We couldn’t ask for more from her! We have missed her dearly during lockdown. Lauren has worked throughout, taking care of key worker children, putting her own health on the line for others. We can’t thank her enough!
• Lauren has always been brilliant but she has worked throughout lockdown and has been absolutely amazing with everything. Keeping the kids feeling safe and happy during these tough times. My daughter considers Lauren one of her best friends. She speaks to all the children in such a way as to make them feel special. You can tell how much she cares about all the kids she looks after. Can’t praise her highly enough!
• Lauren is amazing with the preschoolers at nursery, my little boy loves her and has even kept talking about her through lockdown despite having been away from nursery for nearly 3 months, showing the impact she has on the children.

Lindsay Richardson, knaresborough St. John’s c of e school

• Mrs Richardson has taught my younger three children, And i cannot credit her work and support through reception/EYFS for my children and others, a true confidence raiser and fun teacher, my children have all adored her, she is genuinely a lovely, kind and fantastic teacher who works hard for all the students under her care and always has a smile, I feel blessed for my children to have had her as their guide through the first year of school.

Lisa Abbott

• Lisa has been brilliant support throughout lockdown and then when she was able to reopen she has provided a lifeline to our family. My little boy loves going to her and the whole process has been seen less and stress free.

Little Explorers & Lizzie Green 

• Even during lockdown all the team of this great nursery been keeping in touch with all of is through the social media. Everyday they updated us with a new ideas how to intertain a child, every evening each member of the team been posting a video where they have been reading to kids a wonderful stories. They encouraged all of us to do many exciting things with kids and exchange with our experiences. We are really lucky to be a part of this great team!
• Berny and Steph and all at little explorers have helped my little boy settle in so well during the pandemic as I’ve continued to work as a key worker.
• The team have worked really hard throughout lockdown to ensure our children and families feel connected in these unsettled times by creating a brilliant online service through the private parent page and also through tapestry (children’s online journals) they provided daily activities, story’s read by different staff each night (including weekends) we even provided personal video’s to our children and families so they could still feel connected to us as a nursery. Go Little Explorers Team!!!!
• Always have time for you and your child and you feel like a part of one big family x
• Providing daily online storytime with the different staff members, activities to do, seedling and nature trails left outside for children to collect. The list is endless. Always going above and beyond. They’re Bubble system for reopening was viewed and shared thousands of times.
• Lizzie has been just amazing through lockdown, keeping everyone connected a informed and lots of lovely activities to keep the children connected to nursery throughout.

Mandie Tissiman – Little Crickets Pre-school

• Going above and beyond as always to provide the love, care and very professional attention to detail at all time’s for the children at Little Crickets Pre-school even during a pandemic!

Matt Sowerby Sports teacher at Coppice Valley

• His PE Videos during lockdown were excellent
• Matt Sowerby: Legend.
• Great PE videos during lockdown
• Sports teacher at coppice valley who has filmed daily sports challenges for parents and children to follow, who needs joe wicks, Harrogate has Matt Sowerby
• Mr Sowerby has gone above and beyond during these unprecedented times with the children. Mr Sowerby has dynamically recreated physical education through virtual platforms, engaging children to continue their love of sports and promote their physical and mental heath in these times. Mr Sowerby is an exemplary teacher that deserves to be truly recognised for these efforts in which has also helped us as parents deliver a structured activity during lockdown. I believe Mr Sowerby should be recognised for all the hard work he has put in this year; recognition I hope will help maintain this continued enthusiasm to delivering top class teaching to the children of Harrogate.
• Pre lockdown videos for school kids
• Mr Sowerby has gone above and beyond during these unprecedented times with the children. Mr Sowerby has dynamically recreated physical education through virtual platforms, engaging children to continue their love of sports and promote their physical and mental heath in these times. Mr Sowerby is an exemplary teacher that deserves to be truly recognised for these efforts in which has also helped us as parents deliver a structured activity during lockdown. I believe Mr Sowerby should be recognised for all the hard work he has put in this year; recognition I hope will help maintain this continued enthusiasm to delivering top class teaching to the children of Harrogate.
• His lockdown Videos were excellent for my children
• Throughout covid, Mr Sowerby has provided both physical and digital support to his pupils and the children of Harrogate. Mr Sowerby is without question a credit to his school, and an ambassador to the profession of teaching and education. Covid has produced a response from the nations’ key workers, that has not and will not been seen for generations to come. As many workers and pupils remained home and in isolation. Mr Sowerby selflessly continued to work and provide a level of care and education to the children of the key workers of Harrogate. It is the actions of Mr Sowerby and his colleagues that we as a Nation will be forever indebted to. Put quite simply, when Covid came, Mr Sowerby answered. Well done Mr Sowerby.
• For doing his lockdown pe videos.
• PE lockdown.videos were amazing!
• Lockdown videos!
• PE Lockdown videos
• Amazing lockdown videos
• For doing his lockdown PE videos.
• His PE lockdown sessions really gets my blood pumping around
• Brilliant engaging lockdown videos keeping people active
• He started doing his own PE videos to keep the kids active at home. My son loved trying each challenge!

Michael Finan

• Amazing teacher who gets involved with everything the school and children are up to. Great with the kids and parents.

Miss Daniel Killinghall school 

• We feel our child’s School class teacher for year 2 at Killinghall school has gone above and beyond each and every week of lockdown she had provided work by Sunday evening each week. The work has been manageable at home and well thought out into subjects that join together. Our child has found them fun and interesting. Not only has she provided work for the term-time she has also provided fun and educational ideas during the Easter and Spring bank holidays. Miss Daniel has held weekly Zoom class chats for those that wanted to and provided reply emails to childrens work, sent for review. We could not have for much more. We also know she has had to attend school to help out with the Keyworker group of children and teach other year groups who have been back in class.

Miss Dayne 

• Kind, caring, wonderful way with my son who is sensitivite and just started school this year.

Miss Dodd

• Miss Dodd’s goes above and beyond for her pupils and has been there for me and my daughter throughout lockdown with help and advice on homeschooling. She is passionate about their learning and my daughter has really missed her throughout lockdown. She’s definitely a star teacher!

Miss Dodson at Coppice Valley

• She is a fab teacher, was great before going into lockdown. The children love her! During lockdown she has kept in touch regular and set weekly work for the class. She also gave individual work for my daughter as she was struggling.

Miss Houseman – Oatlands juniors Y4 Grizzly Bears

• The best teacher in the world (according to my daughter!!)
• Miss Houseman has been a great support throughout the school closure and kept the children motivated – she really cares about their wellbeing and I know she feels a great sadness that not all children can return to school.
• From day 1 of lock down Miss Houseman has provided the most welcomed support to the class children and has made the whole experience somewhat easier. She is always available for the children to speak to online with her prompt responses and her wonderful encouragement to the children daily. A much needed motivation for the online work set and and providing a constant contact, one less change for the children. We are very thankful parents.
• Going the extra mile for her class. Online, all day, five days a week through lockdown. Adding encouraging notes to the children’s work and her funny voices during story time.

Miss Jenkins – Meadowside School

• Miss Jenkins has stayed in touch with us all through lockdown with weekly phone calls, a YouTube channel with short learning sections, reading of a chapter of a bedtime story. Also provided an amazing daily blog with learning activities. Miss Jenkins has gone over and above to make every single child in her class feel connected and the return to school (Yr 1) has gone amazingly well. We really appreciate everything that she has done.

Miss Lucy Hargreaves (Tockwith Reception)

• Miss Hargreaves is a wonderful teacher and has truly gone the extra mile throughout lockdown, she has produced a host of activities and videos for her class to partake in whilst at home. Every morning (without fail) we receive the online learning, and the variation in the activities for her reception class has been fantastic. She is always so prompt to respond to any queries or worries and is very understanding and reassuring. Thankyou Miss Hargreaves for helping so much with our children’s home schooling journey!!

Miss Pollard (Aspin park)

• We have just been so impressed with the home school work that has been set and the support and love that has been given through messages during homeschooling.

Miss Pywell St Josephs Catholic Primary

• Miss Pywell, the reception teacher at St Josephs Catholic Primary school has been outstanding with the children. Remaining in school during the lockdown to look after key worker children whilst still recording daily videos of reading and school work, sending home appropriate levels of work for the children and on top of this making herself available to children and parents/carers at every opportunity. An absolute credit to teaching and to the school community.
• Fantastic teaching resources provided by Miss Pywell during lockdown
• Miss Pywell really has gone above and beyond to help reception class. She created weekly learning that was simple enough for parents to do with judgment and no pressure to complete everything. She made a YouTube channel very quickly with story time and then phonics lessons. It was such a relief to have these as my son definitely listened to Miss Pywell more than me!! Miss Pywell responded to every update from me as a parent and wrote encouraging words to my son. She truly is a star.
• The home learning packages were outstanding. She created her own YouTube channel for teaching phonics daily and story time. Such a lovely warm caring lady. Couldn’t have got through the last few months without her.
• Miss Pywell is the most amazing reception class teacher we could ever have wished for. She is just amazing with the children they all love her so much. We literally woulsbt have got through lockdown without her from the incredible daily home learning she provided with personally made YouTube videos to all her words of encouragement on our home learning not just to our daughter but to us the parents as well. Miss Pywell has helped the children transition back into school so easily. She puts so much effort into the childrens learning. We are so blessed to have had her as our daughters teacher throughout this unprecedented time.
• Miss Pywll has been incredible at providing the best home learning and really helping us as parents keep motivated with her words of encouragement. The children love her and she has made their return to school so easy.
• Miss Pywell has created the most amazing content for home schooling. Daily phonics videos complete with music and interactive tasks…daily stories and live bedtime stories…and fantastic encouraging feedback for the children and always with a smile!

Miss Robson – Grove road school

• She has done an amazing support to children during lockdown.
• As an NQT what a first year teaching!! She has been a supportive, kind and nurturing teacher putting her pupils at ease and nothing is too much trouble. She’s a 10/10

Miss Sarah Ford – Pannal Primary

• My daughters yr5 teacher last year. Great support with technology glitches during lockdown. Now she is leading the Yr6 girls bubble & doing her very best to make the last few weeks as normal and fun as possible as my daughters Yr6 teachers Are shielding. Hannah really looks up to her & enjoys her company.

Miss Sherwood (Richard Taylor Bishopdale)

• Miss Sherwood has been a wonderful teacher to her reception students, she helped me with my daughter even sending advice well after school hours she has made coming back to school fun and engaging and always treats her students with so much care.
• Miss Sherwood has been a dedicated reception teacher. Her efforts to provide the children with a wide range of learning opportunities during each week of lockdown have been amazing. The work has been differentiated to cater for different abilities and she has made sure to comment on every single piece of work the children uploaded on to the online learning platform. The children have enjoyed the videos of her reading stories to them and the continued communication with her. Now that school is back and those not back should be using Oak and Bitesize, she has not just left them to it. She has continued to upload work for those children too so that they can experience the same learning going on in the classroom.

Miss Taylor

• Fantastic teaching, always has a smile

Mr Broad – Western Primary

• Mr Broad has risen to…and well above the demands of acting head teacher since the beginning of 2020! His leadership, empathy and style and timeliness of communication to both parents and pupils has been thoughtful, informative and reassuring during such an unprecedented and anxious time! He deserves a flipping knighthood!
• For taking on the role of head teacher at short notice pre covid then rising to the occassion of leading his team and school through this. His communications with parents and children has been second to none.
• Outstanding head, excelled in every way he could for the school and the pupils.
• For keeping parents continuously in the loop by communication well.
• Mr Broad jumped into a new role as Head teacher and he has excelled himself.
• For leading the school with enthusiasm, supporting the staff and generally being fantastic!
• Having stepped in as acting head he has faced the challenge of COVID 19 head on and managed to keep both children and parents happy and informed throughout. ‘Long may his reign continue!!’
• Even before Covid 19 struck Mr Broad has done an incredible job under difficult circumstances. The Head Teacher has been off all year due to personal reasons and Mr Broad has stepped into his shoes effortlessly. Then when Covid 19 happened he took all that on board too and always has the kids safety and mental health at the forefront of every decision made. He has co-ordinated the staff, us parents and the kids exceptionally well and keeps everybody informed with what’s going on. A real credit to the school and definitely deserves a medal.
• For leading his school and staff through these hard times
• Unexpectedly launched into headship shortly before the pandemic, Mr Broad has risen to the challenge of leading the school community and excelled in this at this astonishing time. It has felt as if the children, families and teachers wellbeing have been at the centre of everything. Plans to ensure every child gets the best support possible at each stage of the pandemic have been developed and enacted at an incredible pace with frequent clear and open communication to families. The school could not have served their community better at this time!
• Headteacher at Western Primary School for leading the school through this unprecidented time.
• Has done an amazing job as Acting Head Teacher at Western Primary School during lockdown
• Tim has been at the very core of how fantastic Western Primary School has coped during the school closures. He has lead us through such difficult times with compassion, care and always with the children at the forefront. He has ensured that all the children have received quality education throughout, be it with our daily Zoom lessons or in school with The Hub. He is a fantastic Acting Headteacher and we really ‘couldn’t have done it without him’.
• After having to step into the acting head role at Western primary school at short notice, Tim has had to deal with the Corona crisis on top, and has done an amazing job. He has had high praise from parents and staff, and has lead the school through this. Many parents have commented on how well the school has given home provision and support, and he continues to do an outstanding job as the school reopens.
• Despite having to step into the Head teacher position just prior to going on lockdown, Mr Broad has led the team & the school community brilliantly.
• As Acting Head he has been great at organising home learning, reopening the school and communicating with parents and staff throughout lockdown
• Acting head teacher, Tim Broad, deserves immense recognition for the incredible role he has played in keeping the whole of the Western Primary School community together over the past few months. Through his factual but personable and humorous communications, he has kept the morale of the staff members high, ensured that parents/carers have complete confidence in the constantly changing workings of the school and kept in touch with the pupils in a fun and engaging manner. Mr Broad, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
• Being suddenly thrust into acting head teacher at the start of the year, then having to deal with COVID lockdown, Mr Broad has done a fantastic job under very difficult circumstances, and kept the school morale high. All the staff at Western Primary School have put in endless amounts time & effort to provide as much help & support as they can to parents, children and each other at such a strange time. Well done to all! 🙂

Mr Cawte, Coppice Primary School

• keeping in touch with all children. Weekly live story time on Facebook
• Weekly storytelling and interactive and fun videos to help home learning
• Mr Cawte speaks with such passion about his job. During the lockdown we have been tuning in to his story time on a Thursday evening and he is a joy to listen to. He is the type of person that our children need to ignite a passion for books and imagination.
• He is an amazing teacher anyway but has been very supportive while the children have been away from school. He provided them with home learning and tasks to try at home such as den building. He was also in touch by email every day. He even reads a story online for the kids every week even though he is now back at work full time.
• He’s provided support for our son every step of the way since lockdown. He’s answered every email we sent (daily) and nothing has been too much trouble. He still provides support whilst even though some children back at school. Every Thursday he does Story’s via facebook which the children love and long may this continue.
• Love his Thursday evening story time, fantastic entertainment and keeping everyone’s spirits up and a great connection for all pupils at coppice valley
• For his hilarious Live Thursday story readings from home during school closure (and even now when we’re back at school.) He’s kept everyone’s spirits up and never lets us down.
• Entertaining the children with fun and daily stories on Instagram throughout the lockdown. He has always been an amazing teacher.
• Mr Cawte presented a weekly story time at 7pm every Thursday, with stories, jokes and Happy Birthday messages, children, even outside of the Coppice family tuned into facebook weekly for their bedtime story. He was always happy, smiling and upbeat !

Mr Greg Jones Dacre Braithwaite school 

• Mr Jones at Dacre Braithwaite school has been there with the children and the parents/gaurdian’s throughout this whole experience. From day one they were ready sending children home with ‘back up work and home learning workbooks ‘just in case’. When lockdown happened he sent work home which was always ‘suggested’ and we had messages of how important wellbeing was. Mr Jones has replied to emails and calls throughout and taken time out to do a 1 to 1 call with our daughter when she was struggling with her self confidence in her learning. He gave her a mini virtual school report so she could hear where she really was with learning. Mr Jones has adapted things to feedback and modified home learning. Mr Jones has held weekly Zoom wellbeing wednesday class calls with chances to share learning or things they have made or done. He also has organised online scavenger hunts and bingo to keep engagement with the class. Mr Jones always sends emails back on work being sent in and adds personal humour and story telling to the learning objectives t make work interesting. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Mr Jones and he has made both my daughter and I as a parent feel supported and connected to school.
• For support provided for home-schooling support. Daily work and support and weekly Zoom sessions and always keeping positive.

Mr Parkhouse – Grove Road Headteacher

• It should really be every teacher at the school as well, he’s done weekly celebration assembly’s for the children, and gave some of the most epic speeches during a lot of them. As well as working extremely hard to support key worker & vulnerable children in the community, whilst being the husband of a key worker and having 3 children himself.

Mrs Ashworth-Jones – Belmont Grosvenor School

• A superb Headmistress who has acted with kindness and concern for all the children and fluster-free through the closure and re-opening of the whole school, to which we are very grateful.

Mrs Askew Birstwith school

• She has been amazing support to all of the children . She has made going back to school in reception class so enjoyable for the children by holding videos to put them ease . Her home learning packs were amazing and she has genuinely missed all of the children . She is a superstar

Mrs Claire Haddleton (Brackenfield School)

• This is the first teacher qualification for Mrs Haddleton who is our Year 1 teacher. Mrs Haddleton used to be my Reception teaching assistant. She makes every lesson fun and is always so happy and positive which helped during lockdown. She taught us about Amy Johnson and we made bi-planes. Mrs Haddleton then dressed up as Amy Johnson and had an interview with us. She is a fun and loving teacher.

Mrs Coatesworth – Western Primary

• Starting every days with a booming “Hello my lovelies” Has been the highlight of our lockdown. All smiles and reassurance to a class of worried 7 and 8 year olds has been amazing. She really is the “Gorgeous One”.

Mrs Edwards Western Primary

• In addition to daily live maths lessons Mrs Edwards offers 1:1s every day for any child needing additional help. She has now invited every parent to a 1:1 with their child to make sure they are up to speed with everything and to check in to make sure everyone is ok. I’m pretty sure this is on her own initiative.

Mrs Elizabeth Turner at Highfield Prep School

• Mrs Turner has been fantastic throughout. My son is always happy and motivated after their Zoom lessons, and Mrs Turner always marks his work and provides feedback promptly. Her lessons have been fun and engaging. Mrs Turner is also very sympathetic when my son has had days where he has been a bit down NBC and not wanted to do any school work.

Mrs Emma James, Rossett Acre Primary School

• Constantly positive, nurturing and encouraging – such a support while the children were off, so responsive to messages and genuinely very caring. My daughter is overjoyed to be back with her at school now.

Mrs Emma Meadus Headteacher of Coppice Valley Primary School

• She is awesome! Great at her job, has led wonderful innovations at Coppice and thrown her heart and soul into her job since becoming Head.
• Mrs Meadus has gone above and beyond her duties as a headteacher during the past few months. She has been the engine behind the support, information, advice and help provided to children and parent/carers by her teachers and staff during lockdown and she has also been a rock in these very turbulent and uncertain times. She has always remained positive, calm and assertive, even when updates on rules and advice by the Government came in every few hours or were lacking for days. She put herself and the school out there in the open as a positive and courageous example of how lockdown, homeschooling and the phased return to school can be managed in the interest of most – if not all – children that attend Coppice Valley. Mrs Emma Meadus really deserves this Award.
• Emma has transformed the school over the last year, and she has impressed us so much over the lockdown period with all she has done for the school, keeping parents in the loop as to the education changes, she has been a very busy lady, praising her staff, always replying personally to parents concerns, and supporting the children in and out of school. She haseven found time to write several articles for publication discussing how she has survived running the school during lockdown. Emma is an amazing headteacher, and the coppice family love her for everything she has and continues to do, x
• Headteacher of Coppice Valley Primary School (and regular on the national BBC news) – always positive, goes out of her way to look after every single child in her care and puts the welfare of the children at her school above anything else. When the government announced that certain year groups would be coming back Mrs Meadus sent us all an upbeat email – sounding hopeful and filling every parent with confidence that our children are in safe hands. The parents and children adore her and her staff team obviously love working for her. A new head who has turned Coppice Valley into ‘The school with heart.’ – A travesty if she doesn’t win!
• Headteacher at Coppice Valley Mrs Meadus, has worked so hard to ensure that the school provides a safe, successful learning enironment whether that be online or in school for both children and staff. Communication has been fantastic and learning priorities focused on children’s mental health on returning to school, recognising that this is central to children’s learning.
• Amazing headteacher who provides never ending support to the families of Coppice Valley and the staff. Definitely an unsung hero!
• There is no one who deserves this more. Mrs Meadus has worked MANY hours through lockdown ensuring she has done her best for the children, the families and the staff at Coppice Valley Primary School. She has always got the children at the heart of everything she does. The school is full of happy, smiling children because of all she does.
• Coppice Valley head teacher. She kept us fully up to date with every development, she has supported parents as well as the children including phone calls to ask our opinions. She is there every morning including before lockdown to great each child by name. She makes our school a family
• Mrs Meadus is the Head Teacher at Coppice Valley Primary School. Although new to the headship she has been at the school many,many years! What a way to start your headship though you wouldn’t wish it on anyone! She has worked tirelessly attending meetings, holding meetings for her staff instructing and guiding them while also looking out for their health and well being, creating a safe school environment, keeping in touch with her pupils and their families giving guidance, looking out for their well being and making sure they have a well balanced home schooling opportunity also keeping in touch with a fun weekly newsletter. She has reached out to many in her profession by speaking out and representing them on many platforms such as social media blogs (excellent reads!) local radio stations interviews and also National BBC Interviews (twice!) This is all on top of her very heavy work load. She is such an inspiration and very innovative. A great Head to have, nothing is too much trouble!

Mrs Graham, cook at Bishop Monkton School

• For doing her best to keep the amazing home cooked quality for each of the children even when she has faced the challenges of the new covid 19 measures. Mrs Graham makes sure every child has an enjoyable hearty meal.

Mrs Hawkins

• Mrs Hawkins is our Year 4 teacher at Coppice Valley and she has always been at the end of an email or phone if needed during lockdown.

Mrs Ingle- Rossett Acre 

• She has helped our school provide care for keyworker children, and then helped the school reopen in a safe, efficient manner. A brilliant problem solver, always ready with a joke and a smile.
• This is a hard one to pick as so many teachers are doing their utmost at this time so I’ll chose a friend/colleague/child’s teacher – sometimes special people move amongst us and she is definitely one of them. Her commitment and focus on the children at Rossett Acre is reassuringly supportive. The school and our children are in very good hands.

Mrs Jeffery

• Has been fabulous at keeping in touch throughout & encouraging with my child. She is pregnant & is not back working in the school but had been working hard at home with a little one in tow & has been producing great content for home learning. Thank you Mrs J!

Mrs Kendall- Grove road school

• Amazing goes above and beyond for her reception children

Mrs Magee Saltergate School

• Absolutely amazing teacher, mummy, sister and daughter!

Mrs Magill- Western Primary

• Brilliant teacher and support all throughout, very comforting to know she is always there for advice, help and continued support for home learning, even when the school reopened! So much praise for her and her team. Thank you

Mrs Martin, Aspin Park Academy

• For the continued love and care you have shown my family during this time. It is constant and unwavering and as always beyone what iis expected.

Mrs Moon

• Mrs Moon has been a rock to us parents and our children. She is amazing!

Mrs Richardson, Mrs Sanderson and Mrs Moore

• Brilliant teachers of reception and year 5 students at Knaresborough St John’s.

Mrs Robertson Headteacher Aspin Park Academy

• Lead the school through a difficult time with amazing compassion and understanding of the children’s needs. A great new addition to the great time at Aspin school
• Aspin Primary School reacted very quickly to the lockdown and within a couple of weeks had an online learning platform with high quality learning materials. The communication and engagement from the Headteacher (Mrs Robertson) has been first class throughout. The process of Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 returning was very well managed and again communication was clear on what to expect. I was happy for my child to return in the confidence that they would be safe. Considering Mrs Robertson had only just joined the school in role of Headteacher, and has had to deal with such unprecedented circumstances and done it so effectively and compassionately is a fantastic achievement and a real credit to her.
• Mrs Robertson joined Aspin in January 2020 and is truly fantastic. Welcoming the parents and pupils in the morning and saying goodbye every night. The way she has dealt with COVID-19 has been outstanding and she has such a good relationship with parents and students having only been at the school a short time. She has implemented changes for the better and is just a breath of fresh air to the school.

Mrs Whitelow (Western Reception)

• A positive, supportive and wonderful teacher who clearly loves her job and the children she teaches. Always there at all times of the day to help with any concerns or queries. Nothing is too much trouble

Mrs Wilson and Mrs Ingle at Rossett Acre Primary School

• They have been outstanding during school closures and returning to school. I work at the school and can’t believe how much work they have put in to keep staff and children safe and happy. They have gone over and above to make everything run as smoothly as possible and we couldn’t have done it without them!

Mrs Wilson at Belmont Grosvenor School

• Mrs Wilson is the drama teacher but has taken on a much larger role during lockdown. She’s provided engaging and enriching English work for my year 3 daughter and equally sent home drama work that the entire family has enjoyed getting involved in. Her assignments allowed for personal exploration and growth. She also took the time to always respond to the work and offer constructive thoughts.

Mrs. Moore

• She is an incredible teacher, so supportive and caring. Her support during this difficult time has been amazing. She has responded to emails, provided emotional support and has had an invested interest in my daughters wellbeing. She is simply the best.

Mrs. Whitelow and Mrs. Magill from EYS at Western Primary

• They are warm, fun and engage and understand our children very well.
• Absolutely brilliant EYFS at an outstanding school. We have continual daily communication throughout lockdown. Mrs Magill went a daily Power Point for phonics which was interactive and interesting for the children. They sent ideas for the topics, covering all curriculum areas and made it clear whatever we could do was beneficial. They made constant updates to our Tapestry posts and encouraged the children through positive comments. They did stories daily, and regular interactive zoom calls. We never felt like we were on our own and the work they put in was incredible, especially compared to many of my friend’s schools

Mud & Puddles Childcare

• Best childcare in the area. They have made a safe, but fun environment for the children to still enjoy their days there. 3 of my grandchildren are loving their days there
• My daughter has recently been able to go back to Mud and Puddles and she couldn’t be happier. Steph goes above and beyond in everything she does to keep the kids healthy and happy. Ruby adores her and I trust her implicitly.
• Because through all of lockdown they’ve kept us informed about what is going on and since reopening have done an amazing job of making it seem “normal” for the children all the time whilst playing outdoors.
• For being so flexible and adaptable. An outstanding team
• They run an amazing childcare practice and are fantastic and friendly
• Our family would like to thank Steph (and her husband Mark) for all that they did for us during lockdown. They’re more than just a nursery, they’re a support network and they’re like family to us.
• Steph has four children of her own but still found time for each and every nursery child during lockdown. She was always at the end of the phone/zoom/email when we needed her and I am so grateful for the support she gave me and my family.
• Steph has worked tirelessly through lockdown to make sure we always had what we needed whilst nursery was closed. Every day came with a new idea for us to try, she read and sang to our children over zoom and she answered my frantic messages with patience and warmth. Our children are so lucky to have her.
• Lockdown was particularly difficult for our family, and Steph at Mud and Puddles made sure that the children never had chance to miss nursery. She put on zoom meetings every day to read stories to the children, run music times and games. She also zoomed our family to reassure my daughter about the return to nursery, and made videos to make sure she wasn’t nervous or worried to come back. We’re so grateful for Steph and all the Mud and Puddles staff.
• Mud and Puddles were wonderful during lockdown. Steph kept everyone up to date all the time with what was happening. She gave lots help with home schooling and ideas and suggestions for the younger children. There was always a zoom session to log into each day so the children kept contact with nursery.

Rachael Pearson -Brackenfield

• Miss pearson guided key worker children and children learning at home throughout lockdown. She has been consistently positive and helpful keeping us all sane and structured in these challenging times.

Rachel Earnshaw

• For working throughout the lockdown to provide the best childcare to keyworker families. And been the best team leader and deputy you do fantastic activities for all the children who get a lot out of everything you do.
• Simply amazing

Rebecca Vass – manager at Little Crickets

• She spent so much time working behind the scenes to get the nursery and pre-school back up and running to allow as many children back through the doors. It has been run so well!
• For keeping little crickets going so well whilst caring for her own kid’s too.
• Rebecca runs Little Crickets pre-school and has done a fantastic job in ensuring the pre-school can safely remain open throughout lockdown and ensuring the safety of all children upon the broader return. As a parent I feel very reassured that all the right measures are in place as it has been so well thought though and planned.

Richard Skidmore-Tockwith Junior School

• Been brilliant teacher (teaches Year 2 @ Tockwith Junior School) to our 7-year old. Organises all the work we need to be teaching through SeeSaw App and gives a weekly video to update us all on it, how and what we should be focusing on and then when we upload work does a video or audio feedback so that our little’un feels engaged. Brilliant!

Sharon Hardcastle HGS

• Sharon works at HGS and has been an amazing support to the kids of Keyworkers during lockdown. Always fun and finding something they want to do-Pretty impressive when she is dealing with teenagers!

Siobhan Pywell

• For her outstanding dedication and going over and beyond to deliver best home learning for her reception class

Sue Harrison

• Goes above and beyond to help where she can

Suzanne Cummings – Lotus Learners Mandarin Chinese classes for kids

• Because she has been teaching mandarin Chinese to children during lockdown via online games etc. and the children enjoy the interaction so much.
• For teaching Mindfulness classes to children and helping them through lockdown via virtual lessons
• Some local public recognition is long over due for Suzanne Cummings. Lotus Learners have been going for 8 years now. A business started while 8 months pregnant….Universally loved and appreciated, Suzie has built an exemplary reputation. After her two sons were poorly 10 days before lockdown the family had to isolate, so two days later Suzie contacted all her parents and was delivering ALL her classes online over Zoom. This while dealing with the challenge of lockdown and taking care of her own family. Frankly, Suzie is a legend among the mums and dads and most importantly children that attend her classes. Her online classes were just as professional, fun and interactive as her live classes. Oh…. I forgot, Suzie also delivered online mindfulness classes for kids during the last two months helping children through an incredibly difficult time and providing effective strategies to cope. Mum of two young boys, owner and director of two successful, respected and completely unique local businesses. A caring and dynamic contributor to the local area.
• Suzie has been teaching Mandarin to primary school kids in after school clubs and the kids love her for her energy and enthusiasm returning year on year for the great lessons including games and songs

Suzanne, Woodlands Day Nursery

• She made our child’s first day back in their changed premises so special. we couldn’t bring them into the room, but we knew she would care fro them so well, they settled in very quickly and the staff were quick to reassure us when we called during the day to check they were ok.

Teachers at Aspin Park Academy especially Mrs Robertson

• What can I say but perhaps in the past parents can be quite judgemental of things at school but since covid 19 & the fact I am home schooling I have learnt as a parent that all teachers are worth their weight in gold and appreciate them far more

Tracy Hornby Tiny Teapots

•  Tracy works around the clock to make sure Tiny Teapots is working to its full potential and not once has she complained. She is kind and compassionate and makes sure everyone is happy throughout the day. She really is the best manager.
• Tracy is my wife and also the manager of Tiny Teapots Nursery. Throughout the past few months during this crazy time, Tracy has worked tirelessly to ensure the children and staff in her care have remained safe as well as having fun. Tracy has worked extra hours when needed, has juggled her position of manager alongside working with the children and for the past 7 weeks has also taken on the role of nursery cook. (She has even started baking!!!). Over the past few weeks Tracy and some of her team have also volunteered their time on a weekend to ensure the nursery has been safe for more children and staff to return. Tracy always says she couldn’t do the things she does without some of her staff team and I’d also like to take this opportunity to also say thank you to Emily Cropper and the rest of the unfurloughed staff team for the support they have shown Tracy

Vickie Lamb Little Lambs Childminding

• Honest can’t do life without this amazing woman always goes above and beyond the call of duty and looks after our daughter like one of her own
• Vickie is the most fantastic childminder, teacher, carer and friend to my little girl. She is absolutely amazing in what she’s doing and children love spending every minute with her!

Vicky little Fiit Like A Girl

• Always checking up on us

Zoe Atkinson

• A brilliant childminder who provided care for key worker children throughout the lockdown.