Rylla Cleary, of Holly Crescent, Beckenham, nominated Dawn Whiles because of the way she has dealt with her son, James, who has autistic spectrum disorder.

The mother-of-two said James's confidence had improved since he has been taught by Mrs Whiles.

The 45-year-old said: "She has been absolutely fantastic with him and the class. She seems to have incorporated him in with a new group especially when she was finding her own feet."

Mrs Whiles, who has taught at Marian Vian Primary School, Shirley Crescent, Elmers End, Beckenham, since September was delighted to be nominated.

The 39-year-old mother-of-two, who previously worked in a bank. said: "It's the first time in my life I'm actually speechless.You just do your best for every child."