Summerseat teacher receives national kindness award

Thursday, 30 July 2026 00:51

By David Murphy

A teacher at Summerseat Methodist Primary School has received a national award recognising her exceptional kindness and dedication to pupils.

Naomi Ward has been named the recipient of the 2025 26 Graham Spivey Outstanding Kindness Award, presented by the School of Kindness to an adult working in a school who has demonstrated an exceptional level of kindness.

The award forms part of the National Kindness Awards, organised by the School of Kindness, which celebrate pupils, staff, schools and community groups who have made a positive difference through kindness during the school year. Winners are chosen by an independent panel following nominations from schools across the country.

Representatives from the School of Kindness, Jaime Thurston and Greig Trout, visited Summerseat Methodist Primary School earlier this week to present the award.

Head of School Sarah Brown said, "Miss Ward is an exceptional teacher who goes above and beyond to support our wonderful children each and every day and we are delighted that she has been recognised with this national award."

Chair of the school's Local Advisory Board, Clare Mariani, added, "Kindness and inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do at Summerseat and Miss Ward is an exceptional individual whose impact transforms the lives of our children forever by her ability to inspire them and give them the confidence to succeed."

The judging panel said it was clear that "Miss Ward instinctively understands children and their needs, and that she makes a real difference to shaping their young lives."

Jaime Thurston, founder of 52 Lives and the School of Kindness, said, "The stories we heard about Naomi were incredibly powerful. People spoke about the lasting impact she has on children's lives not just academically, but emotionally too. She helps children feel seen, supported and capable of achieving great things. It is exactly this kind of kindness and dedication that the Graham Spivey Outstanding Kindness Award was created to celebrate."

Miss Ward will attend a national celebration event in London later this month.