AS THE Standard celebrated those who make our educational community so special, we honoured our Primary School Teacher of the Year.

Part of our second annual Education Awards, this category recognises the hard work of those in our fantastic primary schools.

Cheshire West has some of the finest primary schools, with dedicated individuals who work incredibly hard to ensure that our children perform at their best during this crucial period of their educational journey.

Broadcaster and journalist Lucy Meacock joined us for the ceremony at Hilton’s DoubleTree Hotel in Chester on Friday, July 12, as we congratulated our finalists:

Janine Harvey, Guilden Sutton Primary School

Laura Hughes, Parklands Community Primary School

Katie Hetherington, Mill View Primary School

Our winner of the Primary School Teacher of the Year was Laura Hughes of Parklands Community Primary School.

It was received by Kym Cairns on behalf of Laura Hughes and presented by Gareth Davies of Literacy Counts.

Lucy Meacock told the audience that Laura Hughes has worked tirelessly to transform the curriculum and to provide a huge variety of opportunities for the children, ensuring that all subjects are delivered in interesting and informative ways.

One of the award nominations stated: "Since joining the school during lockdown in Easter 2020,

"Laura Hughes has worked tirelessly to transform the curriculum and to provide a huge variety of rich opportunities for the children.

"As deputy head teacher she has created plans and resources for the whole curriculum, ensuring that all subjects are valued and delivered in interesting and informative ways so that children not only know more and remember more but so that they engage in a meaningful way.

"Laura has empowered the teaching team to lead their subjects and worked alongside each and every teacher to enable them to be the best they can be. 

"In addition, Laura has introduced enrichment opportunities including visits, special days and performances. One example of this is that each class spends a day with a professional theatre director, creating a play which is then performed for the school at the end of the day.

"Creativity has been enhanced throughout the school through her work and research with the Creativity Champions.

"This has led to improvements within the arts and many opportunities for both staff and children.  As well as leading, Laura is the Year 6 teacher. She is fondly known as the GOAT – Greatest Of All Time. This can be seen in each and every lesson, in the workbooks of the children, their attitude and enthusiasm and also in national data."