THREE of York’s top teachers have been nominated for a Community Pride Award.

Dan Baldwin, Gareth Jones and Lisa Dewhurst have all been put forward for the Community Pride Teacher of the Year award.

Catherine Leatherbarrow has nominated Mr Baldwin, 30, a Year 3 teacher at Clifton Green Primary School.

She said: “I have three children and therefore gone through a fair few teachers with them all. I also work alongside primary schools in York so have come across a few professionally too.

“Mr Baldwin is one of the best teachers I’ve come across. He’s patient, understanding and funny but above all an excellent role model to the children in his class.

“He has just the right amount of authority without coming across as unapproachable. He’s someone the children can relate to and talk to if they have any problems.”

Mr Jones, 32, a Year 4 teacher at Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy, has been nominated by parent Chloe Haigh, whose daughter attends the school.

She said: “This year my daughter has had a teacher who goes above and beyond expectations every day.

“He has worked with the children to build confidence, encourage learning but most importantly taught them how they all need to be kind. Kindness is a simple thing but it often gets forgotten about.

“All the parents I meet have children who have had a wonderful experience this year.

“Sofia and her classmates would love for his extra work and fantastic abilities to be recognised.”

Miss Dewhurst, a reception teacher at Woodthorpe Primary, has been nominated by Lisa Walgate, who said: “Miss Dewhurst’s personal teaching style is outstanding. She finds a way to make learning fun and innovative resulting in her adored by pupils, parents and staff alike.

“It is clear to see that Miss Dewhurst genuinely cares about her pupils always striving to be the best that she can for them.

“Miss Dewhurst is a very well respected and valued member of the community.”

Nicola Kidd has also nominated Miss Dewhurst. She added: “Miss Dewhurst is a fantastic teacher; always has a smile and an encouraging word for all of the kids.”

The Community Pride Awards are run by The Press with City of York Council and the primary sponsor is York-based healthcare organisation Benenden.

Nominees must live in, or contribute to life in the City of York Council area, and finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October.

Entries must be sent to York Community Pride Awards, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN, or online at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride before Friday, July 21.