TEACHER Mandy Copper of Ford End Church of England Primary School is officially tops after winning Dream FM s Best Teacher competition this month. The Class 1 teacher who only joined the primary school this January, really proved first class when seven-ye

TEACHER Mandy Copper of Ford End Church of England Primary School is officially tops after winning Dream FM's Best Teacher competition this month.

The Class 1 teacher who only joined the primary school this January, really proved first class when seven-year-old Stephen Marshall nominated her with help from mum Gaynor, both believing Mrs Copper was truly the best.

Also new to the school this year is headteacher, Hazel Arnill who joined in April. She said: "Despite being a new teacher Mrs Copper has had such a huge impact on us all. She's a great teacher, the pupils all really love her."

Pupils in Class 1 were rewarded with a trip to Southend Sea Life Centre as Mrs Copper's prize from the radio station.

While there, the youngsters handled starfish and watched anenome fish.

It's a double celebration for the primary school after just receiving their Ofsted results and being rated as 'outstanding'.

The sparkling report stated that the Ford End Primary School's "atmosphere is very positive with all staff working hard to make every child feel valued." It also said

"The school is well placed to continue improving."

Mrs Arnill said: "Ford End is a small school thinking big. We are a friendly family school with superb resources and delightful children. Class 1 has only 15 children from reception to Year 2.