Check out the winner of Fun Kids Teacher of The Year with Collection Pot!

As the end of term approaches, thousands of parents use Collection Pot to organise a group gift to say thank you to the teachers who have supported their children all year round. Collection Pot takes the pressure out of group gifting, it is quick, easy and fuss free.

To celebrate the hard work and dedication of teachers, teaching assistants, support staff and headteachers across the UK, Collection Pot is teaming up with Fun Kids to find the nation’s best teacher.

The winner:

Nicola Smith, Crookhorn College, Hampshire

Nicola Smith, a dedicated teacher at Crookham, has been nominated by Year 11 student Eve Wilson. Eve, who has been living with brain cancer since she was diagnosed aged 10, credits Miss Smith’s unwavering support for helping her get through secondary school and reach the milestone of attending prom—something once thought impossible.

The shortlist:

Mrs. Richards, Kings Park Academy, Bournemouth

Reception teacher Mrs. Richards has been nominated for her kind, inclusive, and hands-on approach to teaching. Parent Ernett Audrey Sauti and her 5-year-old son Don, put Mrs. Richards forward for the award. They praised her for going above and beyond to support Don, who has severe food allergies, delayed speech, and developmental challenges.

Mrs. Richards creates meaningful learning experiences, from Welly Walks to trips to the post office. She visited us at home to understand Don’s needs and helped him thrive socially and emotionally.

Mr. Chapman, Scotch Orchard Primary School, Staffordshire

Acting headteacher Mr. James Chapman has been nominated by 8-year-old Paige Christie-Joy and her mum, Robyn Christie, for his transformational leadership at Scotch Orchard Primary School. They praised him for revitalising the school’s reading culture, painting the library himself over half-term, launching reading incentives like weekly hot chocolate raffles, and championing inclusion and support for children with additional needs.

Mehreen Thahia, Hatching Dragons’ City Branch Kindergarten and Nursery School, London

Mehreen, a nursery teacher at Hatching Dragons’ City branch, has been nominated after providing outstanding care and emotional support to 3-year-old Jude during his recovery from a brain bleed, ensuring he felt included, reassured, and supported both in and out of the classroom.

Mrs. Davies, Brimpton Primary School, Berkshire

Mrs. Davies, headteacher of Brimpton Church of England Primary School, has been nominated by her student, 11-year-old Brodie Russell, and his mum Nicola Russell, for her dedication to nurturing pupils through music. Mrs Davies organised fundraising efforts and rehearsals to take over half the school’s children to perform at the O2 Arena as part of the Young Voices concert.

Mrs. Rolfe, Hyde Heath Infant School, Buckinghamshire

Nicknamed “Miss Honey” by parents, Mrs. Rolfe has been nominated by 5-year-old Haider Rahman and his mother, Sanam Shabab. Mrs. Rolfe is praised for sparking a love of learning in her pupils through hands-on experiences like feeding birds, caring for frogspawn, and leading the school’s eco-council. Parents say she “goes the extra mile,” creating a nurturing and inspiring environment where every child feels valued.