A PARENT has heaped praise on a York primary school and nominated it for a prestigious Community Pride Award.

St Paul’s Primary, in Holgate, is in the running for School of the Year after being nominated by Emma Keef, from York, who has two children at the school.

York Press:

She says St Paul’s prides itself on being a “village school in the heart of the city” and “values inclusiveness and caring for each other,” which she believes is evident in the pupils.

Emma said: “The children are so lovely towards each other, and the older ones always look out for and look after the younger ones.

“When you go in you can feel how happy and loving it is.”

She has praised the school’s teachers for working extremely hard.

“They put in so much time and effort and stay well beyond their hours to help out with events, from school discos to coming it at weekends to clean the playground,” Emma explained.

“They come with innovative ways to engage children such as curriculum weeks and getting in exciting people to inspire them - actors, artists, authors, Olympians, and scientists.”

She added: “The school celebrates the success of its pupils both in school and out, and encourage them to be proud of their achievements no matter how big or small.

“It really is a lovely school.”

The school is “delighted” to be nominated for a Community Pride Award, according to headteacher Richard Knowles.

He said: “All the teachers and support staff work hard to make St Paul’s a special place for every child in our care.

“We are very grateful for all the support we get from parents and carers for the many school activities and fundraising events.

“St Paul’s feels like a family and this is reflected in the positive and caring attitudes of our children both in class and towards each other.”

The School of the Year category is sponsored by Work With Schools.

The Community Pride Awards are run by The Press in partnership with City of York Council and the primary sponsor is York-based healthcare organisation Benenden. All nominees must live in, or contribute to life in, 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 submitted to York Community Pride Awards, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN.

You can also nominate online at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride. The closing date for entries is Friday, July 21. You must include a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4 with each nomination, and may include a picture, which unfortunately we will be unable to return.