A Rhondda Cynon Taf deputy headteacher has been named as a Silver Award winner at the Pearson National Teaching Awards 2022.
Nicola Richards, of Caegarw Primary School, has been honoured with a Silver Award in The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School category for their outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the children they work with every day.
The judging panel heard that Mrs Richards is an inspirational teacher who places staff and pupil wellbeing at the heart of the whole school curriculum. She firmly believes that a happy school is a learning school.
Her sunny and positive approach to school life is infectious, and she is a much-loved member of staff. Her ‘can-do’ delivery of the curriculum ensures that each child reaches their full potential through memorable, engaging, exciting and rich child-led learning experiences.
As a Silver Award winner, Nicola Richards has now been shortlisted to win one of just 16 Gold Awards later in the year during a ceremony that will be broadcast on the BBC’s The One Show as part of a week-long celebration of teaching, which sees famous faces honour award winners every night in the run up to the ceremony.
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Youth Participation, said: “The Pearson National Training Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the exceptional school leaders and teachers who have worked wonders to bring together their local communities, despite the challenges of the past few years.
“We have many such school leaders and teachers at work every day in our schools across the County Borough and I would like to thank them for all they do for our learners as the last few years have shown us how crucial our schools are to the communities they serve.
“I would also like to congratulate Nicola Richards on her amazing success at the Pearson National Teaching Awards, bringing great pride to Rhondda Cynon Taf and in particular all associated with Caegarw Primary School in Mountain Ash.”
Huw Griffiths, Headteacher at Caegarw Primary School, said: “Everyone associated with our school is incredibly proud of Nicola Richards on attaining this national recognition after what has been a difficult two years for everyone working within the education profession.
“Mrs Richards is a valued member of our team and is highly respected among her work colleagues and families. She values her relationships with the learners and her holistic and cheerful approach to education is a significant factor in the success of her pupils.”
The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in education, founded in 1998 to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they work with. This year marks its 23rd year of celebrating school teaching staff across the UK.
