Hackney School Stars: Nominate your heroes for a special award

Star and baker: 2017’s Teacher of the Year Debbie Ashton with Bake Off star Liam Charles. Photograph: Hackney Council

Is there an inspirational teacher at your school? An amazing cook? A friendly caretaker? Here’s your chance to give them the recognition they deserve.

Following an overwhelming response last year, Hackney School Stars is back for a second time – with kids, parents and governors asked to put forward their heroes for a special award.

Nominations are open until midnight on 7 December and can be submitted online here. You can also print off a paper version and post it to the address listed on the form.

There are three categories: Teacher of the Year, Hackney Schools Star, for non-teaching staff, and Lifetime Achievement, for anyone who has worked in education in the borough for fifteen years or more.

All shortlisted staff will be invited to a ceremony at the Town Hall in March next year, with winners collecting their awards from Mayor Philip Glanville, Deputy Mayor Anntoinette Bramble and the council’s chief executive Tim Shields.

Hackney’s new director of education Annie Gammon said:  “Due to the success and the response of last year’s Hackney School Stars we have decided to bring it back for a second year.

“Just like last year Hackney Council and Hackney Learning Trust want to celebrate our amazing staff and school staff.

“Our parents, guardians and children know who these shining stars are in our schools, as they interact with them on a daily basis.

“Please take the time and nominate you school heroes who tirelessly work to achieve great results or deliver special care to you or your children whatever or however that may be.

“We provide some of the best schools in the country and teachers, therapists, admin staff, cooks and cleaners, to name but a few, have made this happen.

“They truly deserve to be thanked for what they do by you.”

Last year’s Teacher of the Year award went to Grasmere Primary School’s Debbie Ashton, who had a chance to meet local lad and Great British Bake Off star Liam Charles.

Donna Davis, early years educator at Wentworth Nursery School, picked up the Schools Star accolade after she was nominated by a parent for her care of their autistic son, and for transforming the way he communicates.

And 2017’s Lifetime Achievement prize was given to Rose Flaherty, senior teaching assistant and meals supervisor at Parkwood Primary School, where she has worked for four decades.

To nominate a teacher or staff member for 2018’s Hackney School Stars before nominations close on 7 December, head to hackney.gov.uk/hackney-schools-stars