A teacher has been honoured for her efforts to help students working from home over the pandemic.

Stephanie Hand, who is head of religious studies and politics at Chadwell Heath Academy, has been named as one of Jack Petchey Foundation's Lockdown School Heroes.

She had been nominated by her school for her efforts to maintain high teaching standards.

Miss Hand created pre-recorded lessons on Zoom focusing on supporting students for their exams, spanning the Politics and RE departments in both the upper and lower school. Furthermore, she also organised a new Model UN Debate club during both lockdowns to assist students in developing their debating skills.

She was also nominated for her efforts to care for students’ wellbeing. She frequently contacted her pupils via Zoom and email to see how they were coping during the difficult lockdown period. She provided self-care tips and encouraged them to exercise for their mental and physical health.

Miss Hand’s nominator said she was a "sympathetic, caring teacher" who inspired her students through her commitment to teaching, her own local charity work during the lockdown and by cheering them up with her sense of humour.

Upon receiving the award, Miss Hand said: "Anyone who is a teacher will tell you how tough this year has been, but to win this award from a pupil proves that it is always worth it. It means so much to me."

Miss Hand was awarded a certificate from the Foundation, a letter from Sir Jack Petchey and a special face mask to congratulate her on going the extra mile to help students in the lockdown.

The Jack Petchey Foundation has worked with schools and youth groups across Redbridge, providing £3.5m in funding to schools and youth clubs in the local area.

The Lockdown School Heroes award scheme was launched this year to recognise school and college staff members from London and Essex who have gone the extra mile to support and motivate students over the last year or so.