GAYNOR Bainbridge, a teacher at Southfield School, dedicated her Secondary Teacher of the Year Award to the special schools across the district.

She had been nominated for her important role in making the transition from primary school to secondary school easier for pupils.

Mrs Bainbridge is lead teacher for foundation and transition at the special school, and was nominated by the school.

When she picked up the award she was asked what she’d say to anyone thinking about going into teaching. She replied: “Just do it!

“Someone once told me that if you can do it, you should. Special schools are completely different to other schools, but I’d still say if you can, you should.”

She told the Telegraph & Argus: “It is fabulous getting this award.

“Working in a special school means you have to work really hard, but it is very rewarding. My class wanted to come here with me tonight. I would have loved to have them here. I think we’ll have a party tomorrow when I tell them I’ve won. We only have small classes, a class of 10, so they are like family.”

The nomination praised her work with pupils and said: “Gaynor has built relationships with a network of teaching professionals in primary and secondary special schools around the city. This has resulted in strong partnership work, especially with Southfield’s feeder primary schools, who are confident in our processes and support the transition by working closely with the transition team and handing over detailed information about individual students’ needs.

“Understanding the importance of the step up and how challenging it can be for our students, the transition days are carefully planned to give the students the best experience possible when they first visit Southfield.”

Honorary mentions:

Linda Puddy - Bingley Grammar School

Lisa Porritt - Ilkley Grammar School