Mrs Gundi Shaw

Teaching Awards 2007 Winner

The Award for Special Needs Teacher of the Year

Woodford Valley Church of England Primary School (VA), SALISBURY

Children who attend Gundi Shaw’s centre for autism make huge strides in their learning.

Her unique and brilliant talent for creating the right balance between presenting challenges and making pupils feel safe and secure and in control of their world, means that those who could not read now read and those who could not talk now talk.

Her centre is at the heart of Woodford Valley school and the integration of her pupils into the mainstream life regarded in a wholly positive light. Pupils from mainstream train as buddies to work alongside her pupils and these often develop into friendships beyond school. Mainstream pupils also attend Gundi’s Makaton lessons so they can sign through acts of worship and on other occasions.

She does everything possible to make her children’s education rich and stimulating, using the Salisbury Chamber Orchestra for weekly music therapy and giving pupils access to horseriding, trampolining and swimming.

Her pupils make exceptional progress and every step is celebrated along the way. Parents are always well-informed about their development. Her enthusiasm has transformed pupils’ lives – one blind girl for example had gone from being withdrawn and reluctant to having a real thirst for learning; every learning style is catered for. Her lessons are always engaging and her pupils access them with comfort.

As a senior manager in the school she takes the lead on integration, undertaking whole-school staff training as well as welcoming staff from other schools that often come to watch her teach. Her dedication to providing the best possible education for her autistic pupils is an inspiration to many.

Message Board

Please leave a messsage for Mrs Gundi Shaw

• FAB

  Mrs shaw is the best teacher she copes really well. I love playing with her children. MRS SHAW IS THE BEST.

  Posted: October 21, 2007 at 19:10 PM | Author: Hannah bridewell

• Congratulations

  I am so happy for you- well done - you deserved it

  Posted: October 21, 2007 at 19:10 PM | Author: Rae & Colin

• CONGRATULATIONS!

  Dear Gundi! I travel through the Woodfords every day, who would have even thought what good work was going on there. Congratulations ! You are a credit to your profession, Regards Colin Watson

  Posted: October 21, 2007 at 19:10 PM | Author: Colin Watson

• Wir sind so stolz auf dich...

  Wir sind so stolz auf dich liebe Gundi, weil wir genau wissen, wie sehr du dir das verdient hast. Aus übervollenHerzen freuen wir uns mit dir und morgen auch auf dich!!

  Posted: October 21, 2007 at 20:10 PM | Author: Mutti, Babs und Klemens

• A shining light

  Congratulations Gundi for making such a difference to the lives of a very special group of children. You are clearly so deserving of this accolade, now enjoy the recognition you so deservedly have won.

  Posted: October 21, 2007 at 21:10 PM | Author: Peter Wright, National Lifetime Award 2005

• fantastic news

  Gundi, I met you at Bath Assembely rooms, I work with Lynn Evans and was up for the teaching assistant award. I am so pleased for you well done enjoy your limelight you deserve it. X

  Posted: October 21, 2007 at 22:10 PM | Author: Rachael Flynn

• hi

  Hi Gundi! Ich gratuliere Dir und ich bin stolz auf Dich Stefanie

  Posted: October 22, 2007 at 07:10 AM | Author: Stefanie Eder

• Well Done

  My son is in yr 6 and has only just confirmed ASD he has had a statement for a year for ADHD/Social and Communication. but he still struggles in a mainstream school, I wished there was something more suitable but there isnt so teachers like you are like GOLD, well done.

  Posted: October 22, 2007 at 10:10 AM | Author: Keran Fletcher

• Well Deserved!

  We were at the Awards on Sunday & were so impressed with your work. Well done, you deserve the award so much - you are one of the unsung heros of the teaching world!

  Posted: October 22, 2007 at 17:10 PM | Author: Sharon Yates & Charlotte Mouzer

• Well Done

  A pleasure to meet you and your family. Regards to Susan Give our regards to Colin A well deserved award Mike W

  Posted: October 22, 2007 at 18:10 PM | Author: Mike Wilding and Family

• INSPIRATIONAL

  Some people find a job that they like and do well, others like you excel.

  Posted: October 22, 2007 at 22:10 PM | Author: ellen dewit

• Congratulations

  Congratulations Gundi on your amazing achievement. It was particularly inspiring to meet you - I found the little film that the BBC did really moving about your work. Enjoy your new found celebrity! Ian

  Posted: October 23, 2007 at 08:10 AM | Author: Ian Jamison

• Congratulations from the National Society

  Congratulations Gundi from the National Society (Church of England Education).

  Posted: October 23, 2007 at 12:10 PM | Author: Peter Churchill

• Brilliant!!!

  Well done Gundi! Your messages make for some pretty impressive reading! All well deserved! It was great meeting you (and an experience meeting your husband who was the first person to make me feel a little more relaxed and not so nervous!!!). What a weekend! Best wishes from all in N. Ireland!

  Posted: October 23, 2007 at 18:10 PM | Author: Anne Hegarty

• well done

  well done Gundi, warmest congratulations, you deserve it. Can we have your autograph when we see you next! Lots of love

  Posted: October 23, 2007 at 20:10 PM | Author: peter+irene cooper

• SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS!

  The best sister in life, universe and everything is mine :-)

  Posted: October 23, 2007 at 21:10 PM | Author: Magdalena

• Congratulations

  Well done Gundi! Glad your commitment and hard work have been recognised in this way.

  Posted: October 24, 2007 at 18:10 PM | Author: Karen Pigott

• You deserve it!

  Well done Gundi! You thoroughly deserve this award. Sunday was brilliant. See you soon. Louise

  Posted: October 26, 2007 at 10:10 AM | Author: louise knipe

• Well done!

  Loved hearing about your work and Susan's role in it! Enjoy your success.

  Posted: October 26, 2007 at 20:10 PM | Author: kevin harcombe

• I'm so lucky to know you

  Hi Gundi! I knew you could do it! What a fabulous accolade to a lady that is truly inspirational. I've loved working with you - you have taught me lots! Wishing you all the best in the future, Lynn Evans :0)

  Posted: October 30, 2007 at 14:10 PM | Author: Lynn Evans

• Well done!

  Well done ! It is wonderful to see your work with children with ASD being celebrated. Every success for the future from Sue Icke West Midlands Special Needs Teacher of the Year 2004.

  Posted: November 4, 2007 at 19:11 PM | Author: Sue Icke

• Many Congratulations

  Well done fellow Special Needs Teacher. You must feel so appreciated and valued - truly deserved I am sure.

  Posted: November 21, 2007 at 22:11 PM | Author: Jennifer Dickie

• We are so lucky!

  I have been trying to find tis website to wite about you Mrs.Shaw. You are such a good teacher and I think my buddy has changed alot!

  Posted: March 5, 2008 at 21:03 PM | Author: T.J. from Woodford school