Downing Street honour for nursery

TEACHERS at a city nursery attended a reception at 10 Downing Street where their success in environmental education was honoured by the Prime Minister.

St Leonard's Nursery's headteacher Clare McCusker and teacher Maureen Thomson were invited to the reception after the nursery became a finalist in the sustainable schools category of the National Teaching Awards.

Ms McCusker said: "We were delighted to represent St Leonard's Nursery School at the reception at Downing Street.

"To have our work recognised as a firm foundation for growing young children's understanding of their rights and responsibilities towards the global community is a great honour.

"Pupils, parents and staff are very proud of our long-standing commitment to environmental education."

Speaking at the reception Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "You never forget your teacher. You never forget the influence they had on you and you have the ability to change lives so what you do for our country and what you do for children and young people is so absolutely crucial."

Caroline Evans, chief executive of the Teaching Awards, said: "Our winners change children's lives and, without them, schools would be very different places."