AFTER working at the same school for 27 years, Val Bayley is looking forward to travelling the world in her retirement.

It’s in recognition of these decades of hard work that Val is the recipient of our Outstanding Achievement Award.

Thirteen outstanding winners have been honoured as part of this year’s Warrington Guardian Education Awards.

The annual awards aim to celebrate schools, nurseries and colleges across the town, championing pupils and students, teachers and assistants, and classes and teams.

 

READ MORE:

All the worthy winners of the Warrington Guardian Education Awards

 

We had dozens of nominations for Val who “gives children their love of reading”, “motivates and encourages every single child, every single day” and “gets the best out of the children she teaches”.

Val has taught hundreds over children during her time at Stockton Heath Primary School with many remembering her even when they’ve moved up the school and onto secondary school.

One parent said: “The only way I can describe Miss Bayley is ‘she’s down with the kids’ and they love her.”

Another said: “Miss Bayley has been instrumental in bringing our children up to speed following Covid when they fell behind in certain areas.

“She recognised where they needed to progress quickly and put a plan in place to bring them to where they needed to be.

“My little boy has improved greatly in all areas.”

 

WATCH VAL RECEIVE HER AWARD:

A third highlighted Val’s “hard work, dedication and support” and said her son still talks fondly of Miss Bayley despite moving into Key Stage Two.

Headteacher at Stockton Heath Primary School Dan Harding said: “Val has been an incredible servant to our school for 27 years.

“In that time, she has literally taught and cared for generations of families, all of whom comment on what an amazing, thoughtful, nurturing and funny teacher she is – Miss Bayley was and always will be many children’s favourite teacher.”

Outstanding Contribution Award: Val Bayley

Outstanding Contribution Award: Val Bayley

Val has taught in Key Stage One, predominantly year two, for most of her career and has led and managed the whole key stage with true professionalism and commitment.

She has made personal sacrifices to continue performing at her very highest level every year and has shown incredible determination to always give her best and be her best.

Val said: “I am thrilled to have received this award, especially as it comes from the parents.

“I feel very honoured that they’ve taken the time and effort to nominate me and I would like to thank everyone who voted.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working at Stockton Heath Primary School and cannot believe how quickly the 26 years and 8 months have gone by.

“The school has been such a big part of my life and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

“It has been my pleasure working with so many wonderful colleagues, children and parents and I wish everyone continued success in the future.

“I am in no doubt that this transition is going to be massive for me as I will dearly miss the children and all my friends and colleagues at school, but I am looking forward to making new memories, going on lots of holidays and finding new hobbies to enjoy.”

Mr Harding added: “Val has always put her pupils first and has worked incredibly long hours every day, all for the good of the children.

“It goes without saying that the children, staff, governors and parents are going to miss her dearly but we think she has more than earned the right to sit back, relax and enjoy her retirement.”