Exeter Consortium ‘School Staff Thank You Scheme’ Awards for Summer Term 2025

Exeter Consortium Schools' Alliance funds a 'School Staff Thank You Scheme' to recognise the amazing staff working in our partner schools, including caretakers, mealtime assistants, teaching assistants, teachers and leaders.

The scheme is open to all Exeter Consortium partner schools as listed on our website HERE.

Rewards of up to £100 are given every term to school staff in recognition of the contribution made to school life and supporting pupils and families. Schools can nominate one member of staff per year.

​​The following incredible people received awards of £100 each during the Summer term 2025:

Kathryn Morgan, Class Teacher at St Thomas Primary, Exeter.

Kathryn was nominated by her head teacher and explains about her role here:
​
“I’ve been at St Thomas for three years as a class teacher and English lead as well as partnering with the University of Exeter on the primary PGCE. In this role, I develop trainees to be excellent teachers of English and phonics through seminars and intensive early reading training whilst mentoring trainees organising meaningful experiences in school on their placements.

Reading is of my biggest passions, not just in teaching children the skills to read but also encouraging them to find the books, poems and stories that inspire and excite them. At St Thomas, we’ve developed a reading ladder that exposes children to a variety of genres and characters, allowing them to learn about others and build empathy but also to see themselves inside stories and feel that sense of being seen and belonging. I am so grateful to work alongside an amazing team who all prioritise a school culture based on a love of books. We enjoy celebrating big things like parent reading events, author visits and World Book Day, but more importantly, we all love talking about books and supporting children to build the will and skills to read for knowledge and pleasure.

In addition to leading English across the school, I also lead our Oracy programme with Voice21. I have enjoyed this challenge immensely, learning so much about the importance of speaking and listening and developing this as a priority at St Thomas. In a short time, we have seen an amazing increase in listening skills and justifying reasons through speaking in our children. I absolutely love leading our oracy assemblies and seeing children grow in confidence to share their ideas.

Most importantly, I love being in my Year 2 classroom. Aside from English, I especially love teaching maths, history and DT. We love class trips, listening to music, celebrating each others’ achievements and making sure everyone in our classroom is included and cared for. Getting to know the children and their interests, seeing the progress they make and helping make learning fun for them is the most rewarding feeling. I feel so grateful to be a part of their school journeys!”

Kathryn’s head teacher said “Going the extra mile, a ray of sunshine, a champion for children are just a few of the qualities which Mrs Morgan possesses. She not only teachers her Year 2 class but leads whole school initiatives: Early Reading, English, Voice 21 and ITT coordinator. Whilst the school’s Deputy has been on maternity leave she has also taken on extra responsibility supporting the Headteacher – one of those teachers who lights up the school with her presence (and her playlists before school are always welcome!) Mrs Morgan is passionate about every pupil in the school developing a love of reading for pleasure and leads parent workshops and regular CPD for the whole school staff. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm are best seen at playtimes as she charges around the playground playing ‘Pacman’ surrounded by beaming children. Every school needs a Mrs Morgan!”

Iwan Keirle, Teacher, Kenton Primary School.
Iwan was nominated by his head teacher.

Iwan’s headteacher said “I am nominating Iwan for the staff thank you scheme because of his outstanding dedication and support during an incredibly challenging time at Kenton Primary School. Following the devastating flood in September 2023, our school community has faced huge disruption, operating from temporary locations including Hope Church in Dawlish and Powderham Castle. Throughout this upheaval, Iwan has consistently gone above and beyond. Despite being early in his teaching career, he has shown remarkable resilience and a positive attitude. He has willingly moved equipment, run extra after-school clubs, and offered his support wherever needed to help colleagues and pupils alike. His enthusiasm and commitment have made a real difference to staff morale and pupil experiences. Now, he is ambitiously leading a Disney-level production of Matilda for Years 5 and 6, a testament to his creativity, leadership, and passion for giving children memorable, joyful opportunities even during difficult times.”


Simon Broom, Caretaker, Exminster Community Primary School.
Simon was nominated by his head teacher.

Simon’s head teacher said “Simon is an extraordinary caretaker who consistently goes above and beyond for our children, staff, and families. He truly embodies the spirit of our Exminster family, believing wholeheartedly in the power of community. Simon works tirelessly, always present and always ready to help with any task, big or small.  His dedication extends to pivotal projects, like his significant contribution to our 'On Cloud Nine' mental health area. The improvements he has made to our school environment are countless, but the positive impact he's had on our entire community is immeasurable. Simon is indispensable – every community needs a Simon!:


Sasha Boult, Deputy Head, SENDCo and DDSL.
Sasha was nominated by her Senior Administrator.

Sasha’s Senior Administrator said “Her roles are all new (within the last 2 years) but what has impressed me is the depth of her caring for each and every one of the children in school. She gives so much of her own time over and above what she does in school to ensure the children in school are safe and supported and puts her own needs aside to ensure theirs are met. She would be a deserving person to receive this.”

Congratulations to all those nominated this term and thank you for all the work you do to support staff, pupils and families across your school communities.

Applications are now open for our Autumn term awards. More information can be found in our monthly newsletter.