WHILE teaching a reception class can be fun, Wendy Boffin understands the responsibility of being one of the most influential people in a child’s educational experience.

The Teacher of the Year nominee from St Helen’s Primary School in Alveston has shown her worth in her five years teaching reception classes, as well as heading up the entire key stage one programme.

In her nomination by a parent from the school, Wendy is described as “doing a phenomenal job of bringing children into a very daunting environment,” adding that “with so many obstacle to overcome for children in their first year of school, she is just brilliant!”

As well as teaching in the classroom, Wendy is also actively involved in other parts of the children’s time at the school, coaching in several sports, including running the popular netball club.

She has also been heavily involved in charity through the school, helping to raise over £1,500 in the Sport Relief Mile.

“I am very surprised, and extremely honoured to be nominated,” said Wendy.

“It shows that the parents are extremely supportive of the work we do here at St Helen’s.

“All the teachers here are so hardworking so it is definitely a team effort.

“My passion lies in early years teaching. That first year is very important in shaping their path education as you are the first experience they have of school, so you need to make it as enjoyable as possible.

“All that matter is giving the children the best possible start.”

This has been shown to a greater degree, when she organised children from local pre-schools to visit the school for an Easter egg hunt, helping to ease them into starting at St Helen’s.

St Helen’s headteacher Andy Spence praised Wendy’s time at the school, saying: “Wendy has done an amazing job with the children she has taught at St Helen’s, and has worked with the families in setting them up for the rest of their time here.

“She is on our leadership team, runs our netball club and all the rest of our sports coaching, but she also fundraises for different charities through the school.

“Frankly, she is the sort of person who goes above and beyond to help everyone in our community, including mentoring two of our new teachers in the St Helen’s way!”

Entries close for the competition on May 7.

There will be one winner for the Stroud district area (Dursley, Cam, Berkeley and Wotton), another winner for the Thornbury patch and also a winner for Yate and Chipping Sodbury, and we want everyone to vote, whether you’re a pupil, parent, teacher or just someone who cares about quality education.

Their prize will be a meal-for-two at one of the Gazette’s Pub of the Year winners – The Falcon Steakhouse in Wotton; The Royal Oak in Cromhall; the Rose and Crown in Rangeworthy – as well as a trophy. 

To nominate, fill in the form found in this week's paper and post it to Teacher of the Year, Gazette, 6 Lansdown, Stroud, GL5 1BE.