Going over and above
Headteacher praised for creating nurturing environment and encouraging best possible outcomes for families
A HEADTEACHER can make all the difference to a school – and Jodie Thomson has not only changed the lives of her pupils, but also their families.
She has been nominated as Headteacher of the Year in the 2020 Scottish Education Awards for her outstanding work at Dalmilling Primary School in Ayr.
“Jodie is an inspirational leader not only for the pupils and school staff but also our families and local community,” said Gemma Gillan, who nominated her for the awards which are held every year by the Daily Record and Scottish Government to celebrate the hard work and success that go into our schools.
Gemma, an active schools assistant, added: “Jodie goes over and above on a daily basis to provide support, welcoming everyone with open arms.
“She has created a nurturing environment at Dalmilling, which for many pupils is their safe space.”
Jodie has created a nurture hub where pupils can get learning support. She also picks up pupils in the morning and brings them into breakfast club to make sure they have a good start to the day.
Gemma said: “All the pupils know how much Jodie cares for them and takes an interest in each of their lives. She’s always the first to give them extra support.”
The headteacher welcomes parental engagement, having set up a parent council, and the school provides Barnardo’s family support.
She set up a pupil council that runs a health and wellbeing bank for the community, providing free personal hygiene and home cleaning products, as well as a washing machine and tumble drier.
Jodie has provided funding for parent and child classes in cookery, art and ICT and introduced shared school lunches where family members can eat with their child.
Gemma said: “She inspires everyone to achieve their best. People in the local community say our school is more than just a school and that is down to Jodie’s drive to achieve the best possible outcomes for families.”
Jodie said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be nominated – it was a real surprise. I love my role at Dalmilling and this strong and proud community. We have a really strong staff team at school and I couldn’t do what I do without them.”
There’s lots of great work going on in Scotland’s schools – and the Record would love to learn about it.