Ormiston Rivers Academy staff have received three nominations for awards in this year's Essex Teaching Awards.

The nominations for the school, in Southminster Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, are for Headteacher of the Year, Newly Qualified Teacher of the Year and Team of the Year.

Principal Emma Baker was commended for being "truly people-centred" with the "best interests of students and staff at heart". The nomination went on to reference Emma's "passion for education", saying that "her work is appreciated by the whole community".

Newly Qualified Teacher of the Year nominee Karla Dallard was praised for her positive and inspiring attitude to teaching. Students have fed back how much they love her lessons and she always receives outstanding feedback when being observed. Karla has put in an amazing effort to keep students engaged during a tricky time, starting an extra-curricular dance club to keep spirits high.

Meanwhile, the transition curriculum team have been nominated for Team of the Year.

The team knew that transitioning from Year 6 to Year 7 would be particularly difficult in September 2020. To support those students, the team created an interactive curriculum experience.

The hub featured interactive and responsive core subject content, alongside a range of other content such as a video tour of the school, video introductions from key staff, tips for promoting wellbeing, reading challenges and important key information for parents.

The staff at Ormiston Rivers Academy have also been praised as a whole for going "above and beyond" during the pandemic. They were commended for their quick action in setting up resources for students when lockdown began, particularly for their mental health resources and fun activities.

Ormiston Rivers Academy Principal Emma Baker said:

"It's a real honour to be nominated for this award, and I'm so proud of both Karla Dallard and the transition curriculum team who all deserve every recognition for the amazing work they have put in over the past year.

"These nominations are a reflection of the wider efforts that have taken place across the academy, by both staff members and students alike, to keep going and provide a great education no matter the circumstances.

"We have all faced challenges over the past year, but we have faced them as a community and we have become closer as a result."