Sarah Arthur, of Tavernspite CP School, has been awarded a 'Distinction' by the prestigious Pearson Teaching Awards.

2013 was a record year for the Pearson Teaching Awards, with over 24,000 nominations. Each and every nomination is a 'thank you' to an education professional who has made a difference to the lives of children and young people.

The Pearson Teaching Awards is open to every school in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The awards were established by Lord Puttnam CBE in 1998 and are managed by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity. The Trust's mission is to celebrate excellence in education.

Sarah, deputy head and Early Years teacher at the school, went through a rigorous assessment process by a panel of Pearson judges who visited the school earlier this year. The judges spent time with Sarah, observing her teaching and discussing her role at the school with a whole range of stakeholders.

"We are very grateful to the parents, governors, staff and children who gave their time to speak to the judges about Sarah's work at the school and the very positive contribution she has made. She is an excellent teacher and fully deserves this recognition," said headteacher, Kevin Phelps.

Sarah said: "I would like to thank one of our parents, Mrs. Helen Disney, for nominating me for this award - it really has been a great compliment and privilege to represent our school community in this way. I would also like to thank the parents, staff, governors and children who took the time to meet the judges when they visited school in March. Throughout my teaching career I have been fortunate enough to work with wonderful children and parents and have always loved teaching. I am delighted to be recognised in this way."

Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson, president of the Teaching Awards, said: "I am genuinely proud and honoured to be the president of the Teaching Awards.

"I owe so much of what I've done to my fantastic teachers at school and university and it is exciting to join in celebrating what is probably the most important profession of them all."

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