This week, Claire Adshead, EYFS Lead at Thames View Primary School, was surprised with a Silver Teacher of the Year Award at this year's The Pearson National Teaching Awards!
Claire has been an inspirational teacher and EYFS Leader for 16 years at Thames View and has truly transformed the early years to give the children at Thames View the most exciting start to their school adventure. Claire takes the time to learn about every individual child and family with many visiting her years later to say ‘hi’ and update her on how they are doing.
Claire is an expert at early identification, referring children who might need a little extra support for their speech and language or who might need further investigation into behaviour needs. This rapid referral means that children join assessment waiting lists so much earlier, not losing any valuable time to investigate needs and difficulties and allowing teachers to be able to support the child in their future years at our school.
I have sat in meetings with many parents, who talk about Claire’s support and early referral years later, explaining to me what a difference that made to the achievement and aspirations of their own child.
Leanna Rogers, head of Thames View Primary
Claire is always aspirational for every child, ensuring that she tailors her classroom and the child’s learning to their interests, whilst all the time, encouraging each and every child in her care. She believes in a truly child led culture where her children can find their own way in the world with her supporting and scaffolding this learning around them. Every day in Pippin class is a new journey, whether it is to the shops, to the vets to space or on a bear hunt!
Claire’s cheerful demeanour and unfailing positivity raises the morale of all around her. Nothing is too much trouble and she will always lend a hand or cheer on her colleagues when she can, as Claire genuinely wants the best for every child, not just for the year that she is their teacher but for every year that they are at Thames View and beyond.
An enormous congratulations to Claire, for her persistent hard work, and this well deserved award!