These Horsham teachers have been named among best in Sussex

Among the top ten champions were Georgette Ayling and the Bohunt Horsham staff who won Sussex Team of the Year, while Debbie Taylor from Steyning C of E Primary School has been named Sussex School Business Manager of the Year.

Other successful teachers include Simon Knowles, from Steyning C of E Primary School, in the Sports Teacher of the Year category, and Emma Payne of Leechpool Primary School was honoured in the Wellbeing Champion of the Year award.

Speaking about the team from Bohunt, judges said: “Headteacher Georgette and her team have established a joyful, purposeful, thriving school that has the highest expectations of its students.

“Through high quality teaching, unparalleled opportunities, and the innovative use of technology, the team is helping to produce students who have the character and attitude to be game-changers.”

Commenting on Debbie’s success, judges said: “Debbie is a skilled business manager whose contribution is fundamental to the success of the school she holds so dear.

“She balances each aspect of her role with efficiency and poise. Debbie is a safe pair of hands, a confidante, and an active and respected member of the school community.

Commenting on Simon and Emma’s success, judges said: “Simon ensures that pupils from reception to Year 6 flourish no matter what their capabilities. He organises sports days and competitions, always emphasising sportsmanship and teamwork over winning. An inspiration to all, Simon has persuaded staff, parents and even former pupils to volunteer their time to support the sports provision.

“Emma is assistant headteacher and inclusion leader at Leechpool Primary and instrumental in the development of the school’s impressive SEND provision. She is a master at finding the right technique, solution or external agency to help pupils, while parents are thrilled to see their children realise their potential.”

The Sussex Teacher of the Year Awards was instead streamed at 6pm on Wednesday, October 28 as a Facebook event.

It usually takes places as a glittering gala at Jurys Inn Brighton over the summer.

Organised by children’s wellbeing cause, the Kent and Medway (KM) Charity Team, the virtual ceremony featured photographs and video clips of delighted winners receiving their accolades.

Among the messages of support was a video from best-selling children’s author and star of Britain’s Got Talent David Walliams.

Bedecked as Her Majesty the Queen in suitably glamorous surroundings, he said: “Hello I am your queen. Not really, I’m David Walliams and I’d like to say a massive congratulations to all the Teacher of the Year winners and to those of you who have been nominated. Thank you all for the fantastic work you do.

“I’d also like to extend this to all teachers and people who work in education. You have been truly amazing in this difficult time.

“Now I’m sure there are so many deserving winners out there and I would press my golden buzzer for all of you. So don’t forget to nominate these heroes for next year’s KM Charity Team Teacher of the Year Awards at www.KMCharityTeam.co.uk. Thank you.”

Hosted by the KM Charity Team’s tuxedoed chief executive Mike Ward, the evnt was watched by friends, family and colleagues of the 35 district winners - many of whom made a night of it with Covid-safe watch parties in school.

Mike said: “Despite the current situation we were determined to celebrate the great work that people working in education across Sussex do every day.

“These awards recognise and thank anyone who plays a part in helping children to learn, grow, and develop, including teachers, caretakers, administration staff and many more.

“I’m sorry we couldn’t give them the gala evening they deserve - but hopefully, this event goes some way towards showing how much they are appreciated for their dedication and hard work.”

Now in its third year, the Sussex Teacher of the Year Awards opened to nominations from members of the public in December for a period of three months.

Supporting organisations included West Sussex County Council, East Sussex County Council, Kreston Reeves, British Airways, 3D Recruit, The Education People, KCS, Jurys Inn, Sussex Newspapers, Diggerland, Streetspace, and Brighton and Hove City Council.

The virtual event is available to view at any time via the Inspire Schools / KM Charity Team Facebook page https://fb.me/e/3AT8QCcUO

The 2021 awards are now open to nominations at {https://www.kmcharityteam.co.uk/sussex-teacher-year/www.SussexTeacherOfTheYear.co.uk}. Businesses interested in supporting the event should contact Mike Ward at [email protected] or on 07925 434871.

Find out about the KM Charity Team’s green travel and literacy programmes for schools at www.KMCharityTeam.co.uk

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