Mrs Judith Reed
Teaching Awards 2008 Winner
The Award for Special Needs Teacher of the Year in North East and Cumbria
West Jesmond Primary School, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Judith Reed’s outstanding support for children with special needs in this large, urban primary school causes many parents to choose it above others. One says she knew her children would be happy and make progress because she could see that “Mrs Reed was always out and about.”
In her classroom Judith is warm, firm and consistent. On her frequent journeys ‘out and about’ she shares her deep knowledge of individual children’s needs with teacher colleagues. This clear communication is also appreciated by parents, and by the social workers and other specialists with whom Judith often works.
Many also comment on her tact and sensitivity. “At what can often be a tricky time for parents” says the school’s educational psychologist, “Judith is neither formal nor stuffy. She actively builds up positive relationships and enables the parents to enjoy their child rather than dwell on negatives or problems.”
At break times she runs a games and knitting club for pupils who find playtimes stressful and when one pupil faced a potentially embarrassing medical situation she explained it lightly to the pupil’s peers as, “Haven’t we all been there? We’re no different. We all have problems at some time.”
Colleagues say she is highly organised, reliable and “always smiling and bursting with positive energy.” Her team of 11 classroom assistants describe her as “a lynchpin.” “You feel as if she is on your side and always there for you,” says one. And the school head praises her meticulous attention to detail. Judith is playing a key role in organising a school move to a new site.
She is constantly updating her skills and at present is training in supporting dyslexia and also improving her skills in dealing with the increasing numbers of the children on the Autistic Spectrum in school.
