A TEACHER who inspires pupils to love every day at school has been praised by a grateful parent.

Samantha Dykes teaches youngsters in Year 6 at Poppleton Road Primary School.

She has been nominated as Teacher of the Year in this year’s Community Pride Awards by parent Jessica Philpott, who said she has boosted her son’s confidence ahead of making the move to secondary school.

Jessica said: “I have never met a more enthusiastic teacher than Miss Dykes, she is loved by pupils and parents alike.

“She goes above and beyond the call of duty, even purchasing individually named pens for every child for Christmas. She shares her time gladly takes that extra time to understand all of the children’s little differences.”

Samantha, 32, said she was shocked to hear she had been nominated for the prize, which honours teachers who inspire their students with their own enthusiasm and commitment.

The former Carr Junior School pupil said: “I was just over the moon to be nominated.

“I’m from Acomb so this is really where I belong. This is how I grew up and this is how I want to make a difference to my community. I know I can make a difference to kids here.”

She added: “I have wanted to be a teacher since the age of seven. My first ever male teacher inspired me. My grandma had died and he was there to support me. He made a big difference to my life and to my friends lives. I always loved going to school and I want to make children feel the same way, I want them to love every day. Year six is the age when you begin to see what kind of person they are going to become. That’s what I love about it.

“I try to make sure they leave year six ready to take on the whole world and make the most of their lives.”

Nominations for the Community Pride Awards are now open and nominees must live in, or contribute to the community within the City of York Council area. Three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October, when the winners will be revealed.

Entries can be posted to York Community Pride Awards, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN. Or submit your nomination online at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, July 27. Nominations must include a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4 with each entry and may include a photograph, which unfortunately we will be unable to return.