EDUCATION AWARDS 2019: Inspirational Teacher of the Year (Primary), sponsored by Springfields Outlet Shopping and Leisure, Spalding

There are nearly 60 primary schools in south-east Lincolnshire from which this year's Most Inspirational Teacher of the Year could come.

Hundreds of dedicated teachers and teaching assistants, with a passion for nurturing the skills, experience and development of youngsters aged four to 11, are working in schools across South Holland, the Deepings, Bourne and villages south of Boston.

Among them is one or more exceptional educator whose ability to instil in their pupils a love of learning, desire for excellence and ambition to make a positive difference in the world is especially deserving of recognition.

The 2018 Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian Education Awards saw PE teacher Andrew Dowling named Inspirational Primary Teacher of the Year for his work in leading the Forest School programme at St Paul's Primary School, Spalding.

Head teacher Kira Nicholls said: "Andy originally came to our school as part of a sports partnership group to support the school in improving its PE curriculum.

"But he quickly became a big part of the school and was full of ideas that he saw through to fruition with his infectious enthusiasm, inspiring pupils and staff alike.

"We are so proud of Andrew and all that he has achieved for the school."

This year's award is sponsored by Springfields Outlet Shopping and Leisure, Spalding, which celebrates its 15th anniversary next month.

Simon Stone, retail director of Springfields, said: "We are delighted to be one of the category sponsors for the Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Education Awards 2019.

"Springfields Outlet Shopping and Leisure offers a unique visitor experience for people of all ages, with big name outlet stores, such as Joules, White Stuff, Jack Wills, M&S and Gap.

"Our centre provides quality retail brands, a choice of cafes, restaurants and the award-winning Springfields Festival Gardens.

"The recently-opened Springfields Adventure Land offers fun and adventure for our younger customers, with attractions that include the UK’s largest JCB Young Drivers Zone where youngsters can drive around in bright yellow diggers, enjoy the huge JCB slide and scaffold-themed climbing frame.

"Meanwhile, Families can walk through the new Tree Top Village which includes eight wooden towers and a massive 12m² net.

"Alternatively, they can try their luck at Dino Golf, pan for gold at Goldie’s Gold Mine, ride through woodland on Springy’s Railroad or take the overground Adventure Land Express train through the award-winning Festival Gardens.

"No family visit is complete without a trip to Springy’s Diner for great music and hearty American diner-sized portions.

"We have something for everyone at Springfields Outlet and for further information, please visit https://springfieldsoutlet.co.uk/

. You can nominate a pupil, student, teacher, support staff member, group, class, and/or school in one or more of the awards’ 11 categories.

Nomination forms are available by emailing Denise Vickers at denise.vickers@iliffepublishing.co.uk or call 01775 765400.

Completed forms should be returned by May 22 ahead of judging later the same month.

Coun Patricia Bradwell, executive member for children’s services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “It is important that nurseries, pre-schools, primary and secondary schools do not miss out.

“Please send your nominations in for students and teachers who have made a difference in the past year.”

The categories are Contribution to the Community, sponsored by Bakkavor Group; Environmental Award, sponsored by South Holland District Council; Pre-School of the Year, sponsored by Riverside Training; Inspirational Teacher of the Year (Primary), sponsored by Springfields Outlet Shopping and Leisure; Inspirational Teacher of the Year (Secondary), sponsored by Produce Industry Expo 2019; Most Improved Student, sponsored by Worldwide Fruit; Student of the Year, sponsored by Duncan and Toplis Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers; Outstanding Sporting Achievement, sponsored by Double G Clothing; Primary School of the Year, sponsored by Moore Thompson Chartered Accountants; Secondary School of the Year, sponsored by Freshtime UK; Support Staff Award, sponsored by Calthrops Solicitors.