HER pupils say she cheers them up when something has upset them and she makes everybody smile.

And this month’s Teacher of the Month says teaching is the career she always dreamed of.

Emma Collins, 32, teaches year two pupils at Locking Stumps Primary School and was shocked when she discovered she had won the award.

Emma was nominated by seven-year-old Harvey Birkhead, who said his teacher is never mean and cheers everybody up.

He said: “When I grow up I am going to visit Locking Stumps to see her because I will miss her that much.”

Emma has also impressed Harvey’s mum, Lauren Scott, who said she was so great when Harvey was taking his SATs tests that he actually enjoyed taking the exams.

Emma, who lives in Allerton, Liverpool, said: “It was a huge surprise. They are a lovely year group and I have really enjoyed teaching them.

“To find out what Harvey has said about being in my class was really nice.

“I always wanted to be a teacher from a young age and I always followed that path. It’s definitely a rewarding career that always brings new challenges and lots of fun.

“It’s a lovely school to work at, each year is different and the staff and children really enjoy themselves here.”

Emma has worked at the school for 11 years and said she was always inspired by her own teachers.

She said: “I can see the budding teachers in class already, the ones that are good at offering advice. There are a lot of pupils who want to be teachers and I was the same – I had great teachers when I was in school.

“It’s not a job where you clock watch and I wouldn’t want to do anything else.

“I think teachers just want to make a difference for the children. Watching them grow up and learn is what makes my job the best.”

If you would like to nominate an outstanding teacher for the Teacher of the Month award, email your nomination to chloe.laversuch@nqnw.co.uk.