A PRIMARY school pupil has nominated her teacher for an award.

Ciara Beavers, 10, of Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, has nominated Emma Davies for Community Pride teacher of the year.

Mrs Davies is her favourite teacher and Ciara says she is one of the most popular teachers at Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy in Strensall.

“She is a bit like Miss Honey in Matilda. She is so approachable and gives lots of help. I had trouble making friends in year four and she helped me through that by explaining how people have different personalities,” she said.

Ciara thinks everyone does better at school because of Mrs Davies going the extra mile, adding: “She makes people want to try their hardest for her and if you struggle with something she is helpful instead of nagging.”

Aoife Beavers, Ciara’s mum, agrees. She said: “She taught her when she was in year four as well and how she managed her was very good.

“She has helped her in a really great way. For her to have her again now, in year six, is brilliant. She really takes each child and looks at what they need. She knows when to push children and when to give them space. I like how she talks to them as grown-ups. When there are conflicts, which children will have, she treats them like adults when she resolves it. I think everyone in the class would agree she is a great teacher. Ciara works harder because of her.”

The nomination has come as a surprise to Mrs Davies, who has been at the school since 2000. It is a shock because I am just doing my job. I have taught Ciara for two years , and it is my first year teaching year six,” she said.

Mrs Davies thinks Ciara recognises all the work teachers do. “I think she really appreciates what I do, like staying up until 11 at night marking their work because I want them to have good feedback. And she knows the work we do for extra things like the science fair I run, as I am science subject leader, which she really enjoys.”

The awards are run in partnership with City of York Council and the primary sponsor is Benenden.

All Community Pride nominees must live in, or contribute to life in, the City of York Council area. Around three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October, when the winners will be revealed.

You can make a nomination www.yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride/ 

Entries must be submitted by Friday, July 17.