Local teacher receives recognition for inspiring pupils

A teacher at a Westbury primary school has received a special Inspire Youth Award after being nominated by one of her pupils. 

Laura Midson-Williams, who is a teacher and key stage two lead at Westbury Leigh Primary School, was presented with an outstanding recognition award for her dedication to supporting young people. 

The award was presented ahead of the main Inspire Youth Awards ceremony in October, after organisers decided to bring the presentation forward as Mrs Midson-Williams is expecting a baby in the coming weeks. 

The Inspire Youth Awards were launched in October last year to recognise young people, organisations and adults making a positive difference. The awards are organised by the Wiltshire Area Youth Service (WAYS), which also runs youth clubs in Westbury and Warminster. 

“Mrs Midson-Williams received this year’s outstanding recognition award for her hard work and dedication,” said WAYS director Beth Mullins. “She is not only a teacher, she is an inspiration. Every young person has one teacher that they want and never forget and she is just that. She makes learning fun, creative and exciting. 

“Even with a class of 43, she never shouts. She knows each and every student in her class and most in the school. She invests in every young person. She doesn’t just teach; she goes above and beyond in a stretched sector to ensure every student has the emotional and wellbeing support they need alongside learning which many don’t get because of funding cuts.” 

Nominations for more than 10 Inspire Youth Award categories will open in September, ahead of the main awards ceremony in October.