A TEACHER who died unexpectedly in 2015 has been nominated for a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ in the South Wales Argus’ Gwent Schools Awards.

Mum of three Tanya Floyd had worked at Undy Primary School since 1998. She taught and taught the Reception class and was the school’s PE co-ordinator when she died. She also volunteered regularly at her children’s primary school, Y Bont Faen in Cowbridge.

Paula Willis, co-head teacher at Undy Primary School, worked with Mrs Floyd said: “We remember her such with love in our hearts. She was such an important friend, colleague and teacher and she was part of our school for so many years.”

“I think people will be touched and overwhelmed to hear she has been nominated. They will be absolutely ecstatic, and it’s recognition of the wonderful work she did.”

The school have created a memorial garden dedicated to the memory of Mrs Floyd where pupils planted a bulb in her memory and wrote messages on a turquoise ribbons. More than 300 ribbons now form a heart in the school’s Tanya Floyd memorial garden.

“She’d be humbled by the nomination. She always did things in a quiet way, so to find out she has been nominated for an award… she wouldn’t believe it.”

Upon hearing about the nomination Mrs Floyd’s father Peter Clinton said: “It’s amazing. Losing her was terrible, but out of that tragedy has come so much good. People have been fundraising and been giving us money in Tanya’s memory. This achievement is like the icing on the cake.”

There is still time for readers to submit their nominations for the awards, in the following categories:

  • The categories are:
  • Head teacher of the year
  • Primary teacher of the year
  • Secondary teacher of the year 
  • FE lecturer of the year
  • Teaching assistant of the year
  • Student teacher of the year
  • Lifetime achievement award
  • Creativity and Innovation award
  • Above and beyond award
  • Breaking down barriers award
  • Primary school of the year
  • Secondary school of the year
  • School of the year

Award winners will be announced at a special presentation evening in January. To nominate visit southwalesargus.co.uk/gwentschoolsawards and just fill out the form. Entry is free.