APRIL’S Teacher of the Month is such an inspiration to his pupils that they have even started to dress like him.

James Lancashire, 28, teaches year five at Cinnamon Brow Primary School and was nominated by parent Vicki Collier and her son, Jacob.

Vicki said Mr Lancashire has been a ‘fantastic influence’ on her son and when Jacob found he needed new glasses, he had to have a pair just like Mr Lancashire’s.

Jacob even went into school one day with stubble drawn on his face, his new glasses and hair styled like his teacher’s.

“Jacob says Mr Lancashire is the best teacher because he feels listened to and valued and because he makes the lessons fun and exciting - he particularly liked being Mr Lancashire's science assistant!” said Vicki.

“Nothing appears to be too much trouble or effort where Mr Lancashire is concerned, from playing tag and football with Jacob and his friends in the playground at play time, to being available for parents during evenings and weekends through an online app.”

Mr Lancashire, who is from Leeds and is excited about becoming a father for the first time in two weeks’ time, said he wanted to become a teacher after coaching sports.

He said: “I was working as a football coach in New Jersey in America when I realised I wanted to become a teacher. I didn’t just want to teach a sport, I wanted to teach all subjects. 

“I still think it’s really important to be active and have fun while you’re at school.

“I enjoy teaching writing and reading the most, I try to inspire pupils with my own love of reading.”

Mr Lancashire has been at Cinnamon Brow Primary School for just two years and said the support has been fantastic.

“I love it here, the staff and head teacher are really supportive. They are so nurturing and you feel like they really believe in you.

“They are just such a lovely class, they bring so much happiness to school every day. We’re a very happy group.”

After Mr Lancashire received the award, his class broke out into cheers.

To nominate a deserving teacher for next month’s teacher of the month award e-mail chloe.laversuch@nqnw.co.uk.