These are the Chesterfield teachers who have gone above and beyond for children during lockdown – according to parents

We asked our readers to share their experiences from the last year, which has been an unprecedented time for education.

These are the teachers who parents say have gone above and beyond for their little ones, and the schools who haven’t let any children get lost in lockdown.

Donna M Mellor nominated Highfield Hall Primary School.

She said: “I feel all teaching staff at all schools deserve a big thank you for looking after the education of our children.

"I especially want to thank my sons primary school Highfield Hall Primary School.

“The teaching staff have been brilliant during this last year as always, they've been in constant contact with children and parents to make sure the children are ok and happy.”

Kellsey Brown nominated Henry Bradley Infants in Brimington.She said: “Their new head teacher has really risen to the occasion, and learnt very quickly on her feet.

“All the teachers are very compassionate and understanding, and have worked very hard to support both children in school and those working virtually from home.

“They have been supportive to both children and their parents/carers, and are always on hand to help if you need them.”

Hannah Wonfor nominated Brampton Primary School.

She said: “They have a rainbow room which is all pupils with a disability including my boy with autism.

“All the teachers in there have been absolutely incredible.

"I would like to nominate Collette Pratt.

“My son has absolutely loved her throughout it all and shes really helped him through it all.”

Helen Bunting nominated Netherthorpe School Staveley.

She said: “I would like to thank all of the staff, students and families of Netherthorpe School Staveley for their hard work, positivity and resilience throughout.

“They should be very proud of themselves.”

Candice Hall nominated Heath Primary School.

She said: “They have been amazing, they’ve supported everyone extremely well, making sure that children have the resources to carry on doing their work from home, daily zoom meetings for children of all year groups, a whole school zoom assembly weekly to celebrate the children’s achievements and regular phone call check ins in case anyone is struggling."On Fridays have a screen free afternoon and have done a quiz night, a massive thank you to all the teachers that have worked extremely hard.”

Tanya Lyndon nominated Abercrombie Primary School.

She said: “All the amazing teachers at Abercrombie Primary School they go above and beyond for all our children my special thanks would go to Mrs Roberts who is so supportive and literally a message or email away always answers with great advice thank you.”

Katie Wood nominated Mary Swanwick Primary and Nursery School.

She said: “They have been absolutely amazing.

“Not only do they have a lot of children back in school, but they send five or six pieces of home learning home each day, they read books via video and upload them to our schools home learning app, they send games and activities to keep kids entertained whilst parents are working.

“I honestly don’t know how they do it all.

"They must be so so tired but they keep going to ensure our children are still learning.”

Ganga Gnanaraj nominated St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Chesterfield.

They said: “From the Head Teacher to all the staff been always amazing.

"Kids and parents were well supported and updated regularly regarding the changes.

“Even staff took time to deliver work books and folders to children to their houses.

“Lessons set for children as a normal school day and the live lessons, also giving chance for the children to engage in conversations all very helpful as my children hardly felt they missed school.“They always loved going to school so just waiting eagerly to get back to normal.”

Jane Currie-Smith nominated Miss Ireland at Barlborough Primary School.

She said: “During a group well-being session with her class Miss Ireland was chatting to the children about sleep and she contacted me after the session as she was concerned about a conversation where my child expressed something that was worrying him.

“She invited us to a one to one chat.

"She called us back out of school and we spent an hour talking about it, how to help and also lots of ways to calm down for bed.

"She is so supportive and caring and makes great effort to add that personal touch to her online lessons to try and maintain that 'in-class' vibe to her lessons.”

Amy Dapling nominated Hady Primary School.

She said: “They have been absolutely fantastic with all the staff working so hard to ensure the well-being of all our children.

"The level of communication is amazing with daily shout out assembly from the head teacher, fun and engaging class teams sessions twice a day that have helped keep the children at home connected with their teacher and classmates, and the positive feedback sent to children every time they send in work.

“The school have been very supportive throughout this last year, ensuring that everyone has access to the home learning and having a very strong focus on children's well being.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.