Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Lisamaria is UK Primary School Headteacher of the year!
A West Lothian teacher has been awarded UK Headteacher of the year in a primary school at the prestigious, Pearson Teaching Awards.
Lisamaria Purdie picked up the Gold award for her time as headteacher at St Ninian’s Primary School, Livingston.
As the only Scottish recipient of the UK wide awards, judges said that Lisamaria is “on a mission to ensure everyone in the community knows she is invested in them, and they can make a difference”.
Judges also noted that staff and pupils say she creates a warm, nurturing environment that supports every child to be their best, and that her impact goes beyond St Ninian’s, as she supports other headteachers as they come to terms with the role and helps them reach their potential.
This is not the only accolade Lisamaria has received recently as she was also named Headteacher of the Year at the Scottish Education Awards 2019.
Lisamaria Purdie said: “It is amazing to have won this award. I am so privileged and feel humbled because this recognition is all for doing a job that I love. I am really lucky that so many people have inspired me throughout my education.
“I believe that parents are their child’s first teacher, and that philosophy has shaped my thinking and practice in terms of my relationships with the parents and families of our children at school. The people who inspire me most are my parents. They supported and challenged me, their small acts of love and kindness always helped me and spurred me on. My nanna inspired me to always do my best, and I use those words all the time with the children at St Ninian’s.”
Lisamaria has recently been seconded to the Education Officer team at West Lothian Council and part of her role will be to support improvement activities across the local authority and strategically lead the implementation of the council’s parental involvement and engagement framework.
Now in their 21st year, the Pearson Teaching Awards celebrate the best teaching across the UK, and gold winners are nominated for awards by pupils, parents and colleagues. Eleven UK school teachers have been honoured as winners of the 2019 Awards, for their inspirational work in education.