A reception class teacher praised as a "beacon of sunshine" has scooped a national award after setting up a community pantry in her school.

Natasha Paling was praised by teachers, students and parents alike after setting up the foodbank at Balfour Primary School in Brighton to help out those in need during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now, Natasha has scooped a national Teacher of the Year gong.

Natasha said: “One thing I remember from my teacher training is my tutor saying that being a teacher puts you in a position of trust, which means being an ally for others. And that really stuck with me.

"I’m passionate about all children getting the best start in life, and if initiatives like The Pantry help, then it’s worthwhile.

Natasha with some of her schoolchildrenNatasha with some of her schoolchildren (Image: Miconex)

"Our motto in Bumblebee class is that no-one gets left behind, we’re a team! I have a song for everything. Again, I’m able to take my experience as a parent into my role as a teacher."

Natasha started out volunteering at Balfour before going on to become a teaching assistant and later a teacher by completing her degree part-time alongside working at the school and bringing up her two sons, now 20 and 17.

She set up The Pantry, a community store for families, during the pandemic. The Pantry delivered to families across Brighton and Hove and now stocks food alongside seasonal items like coats, wellies and Halloween costumes.

Natasha won the Teacher of the Year award competition, led by Miconex, after receiving the most votes in the competition.

Tributes poured in for Natasha hailing her achievement, with one person saying: "Mrs Paling’s commitment to the wider community and particularly to families that are more vulnerable is really incredible. She works tirelessly on running our school pantry.

"She is a positive beacon of light. We are so lucky to have her in our school and teaching our children."

Another said: “Mrs Paling is, not only a natural early years teacher, but a local beacon of sunshine and a determined community caregiver.”

Alan Gunn, headteacher at Balfour Primary in Balfour Road, said: “Natasha is a remarkable teacher and one of many amazing teachers here at Balfour. We are so proud of her and she fully deserves the recognition of this award.”

As part of the award, Natasha will receive a £500 gift card as well as a £500 gift card for the school to help support The Pantry.

On the award win, Natasha said: "I really love my job and winning Teacher of the Year feels completely overwhelming. 

“The imposter syndrome has definitely kicked in. I know so many amazing teachers here at Balfour Primary School who could be Teacher of the Year, and I know there are so many amazing teachers right across the UK too.

"I’m thrilled to win though and to win the Brighton Gift Card for myself and the school is lovely."