TWO Ongar Academy teachers have been highly commended in the 2020 Essex Teaching Awards

The seventh annual Essex Teaching Awards took place on Thursday 6 February at Hylands House in Chelmsford and provided another opportunity to celebrate the outstanding educators and support staff working in primary, secondary, special and early years settings across Essex.

The two Ongar Academy teachers are: Kelly Jeffs and Sean Talbot who were shortlisted for the Pupil’s Choice Award.

Students nominating Sean Talbot said:
• He is a kind, caring and supportive
• He has always put a smile on my face, making me and everyone in the school feel welcome
• He always goes above and beyond to give everyone the best opportunities
• Whether it’s taking us to exciting trips or cheering us on at fixtures, he is always there every step of the way
• He deserves this award for everything he has done
in our school and the community

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The students nominating Kelly Jeffs said:
• She helps everyone with everything even when she’s busy; she will make sure to listen and help the best she is able
• She is the kindest person to everyone
• If anyone needs to speak to someone, it’s her
• She understands, she is the best teacher and she is so helpful
• She saved my life

Attendees enjoyed a number of different performances on the night from Essex Dance Theatre, Essex Music Services and Essex Youth Jazz Quintet.

Young Essex Assembly member, Rachel Ojo, also gave an inspirational speech, sharing her own experience of education in Essex and the ways in which her teachers have supported her and others to achieve.

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “I’m sure we can all remember a teacher or another member of school staff who played an important part in our own education journey when we were younger and who in some cases may have even shaped the person we are today.

“That is why the Essex Teaching Awards are such an important platform for highlighting and celebrating the effect these individuals have on the lives of children and young people across Essex.

“I never ceased to be moved by the nominations we receive and would like to congratulate everyone that won an award, or who was highly commended this year. We have so many special people working in education across the county and I hope they feel proud of the positive impact they make every day.”

This year’s winners, who were nominated by their peers, parents and carers, can be found below and represent the highest calibre of teaching and support staff the county has to offer.

New Teacher of the Year

WINNER: Luella Murray, The Stanway School

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Maria Carlisle, Magna Carta Primary Academy
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Jenny Phillips, Greensward Academy

Teacher of the Year (Primary)

WINNER: Rodica Freeman, Moulsham Infant School

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Clay Calder, Kelvedon Hatch Primary School
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Gemma Moores, Moulsham Junior School

Teacher of the Year (Secondary)

WINNER: Melissa Marable, Ormiston Rivers Academy

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Matthew Davies, New Rickstones Academy
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Nicole Frith, Greensward Academy

Teacher of the Year (Special School)

WINNER: Patrick Creedon, Endeavour Co-operative Academy

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Johanne Hall, Grove House School
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Jessica Mills, Castledon School

Headteacher of the Year (Primary or Special School)

WINNER: Michael Wade, Quilters Infant School and Quilters Junior School

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Rebecca More, Rivenhall Primary School
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Linda Reid, Elsenham Primary School

Headteacher of the Year (Secondary School)

WINNER: Trevor Lawn, Alec Hunter Academy

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Damien Lee, New Rickstones Academy
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Carl Wakefield, Plume Academy

Childminder of the Year

WINNER: Rachel Dench, Little Pops Childminding

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Carla Blackburn, Tinklebugs Childcare
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Claire Nicholson

Early Years and Foundation Stage Practitioner of the Year

WINNER: Maria Johnson, Mildmay Infant and Nursery School

HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Staff of the Pre-School Room, Busy Bees, Colchester
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Julie Roberts, Goldingham Drive Community Preschool

Teaching Assistant of the Year

WINNER: Carron Thompson, Greensward Academy

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Emma Davies, Castledon School
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Debbie Spanton, Dr Walker’s Church of England Primary School

Team of the Year

WINNER: The Performing Arts Department, Ormiston Rivers Academy

HIGHLY COMMENDED: The ASD Provision Team, The Bromfords School and Sixth Form College
HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Office Team, Janet Duke Primary School

Non-Teaching Staff Member of the Year

WINNER: Jenny Playford, Kings Road Primary School

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ken Coe, Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form College
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Clare Deighton, Elm Hall Primary School

Student Choice Award

WINNER: Laura Petch, The Bromfords School and Sixth Form College

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Kelly Jeffs, The Ongar Academy
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Sean Talbot, The Ongar Academy

Lifetime Achievement

WINNER: Jenny McCutcheon, Fairhouse Primary School

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS FOR:

Viv Dundon, Clacton County High School
Louise Horton, Clacton County High School
Bridget Raven, Shorefields School
Susan Wright, New Rickstones Academy