Bognor teacher receives classy award

Sian Rees Jones received an OBE in the birthday honours list for her services to early-years education.

She has been head of Bognor Regis Nursery School and Children's Centre for 19 years. It has received six outstanding Ofsted reports in that time.

"It's a very special place for young children to grow and thrive '“ an amazing school, up there with the best in the county. That's great for Bognor," she said.

"Everyone here is absolutely passionate about young children. As a team, we feel really strongly the first five years of a child's life are the most important.

"It's a time when 50 per cent of a child's intellectual development happens.

"If a child needs a bit of extra support, that's the time to put in place the highest possible provision if you want to make a difference to a child's life chances."

Jean Ensing, who chairs the nursery school and children's centre's governors, said: "We are delighted Sian Rees Jones' work in the school has been recognised locally and nationally.

"She has been head of the school for many years in which time it has developed into a centre of excellence to which visitors come from around the world.

"However, the principal benefit of this excellence is the day-to-day high-quality education given to the children of Bognor."

Miss Rees Jones, 51, of Walberton, has worked with young children and their families for 29 years.

Her leadership at the nursery school and children's centre on Victoria Drive has seen it develop into a thriving one-stop shop for children under five and their parents to early education, health services and a wide range of other opportunities.

It became an early excellence centre in 2002 and a children's centre two years later.

Just under 200 children pass through its front doors every day and it has a workforce of almost 40 staff.

Miss Rees Jones said she believed her honour had arisen from the high status of the nursery school and children's centre.

"I have a really fantastic team here who work alongside me to benefit the community. We are excited about what we do," she said.

Also honoured...

Slindon-based play-wright and screenwriter Ronald Harwood has received a knighthood in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Sir Ronald, who has been chairman of the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford since May 2009, boasts numerous credits including the original play and screenplay for The Dresser, for which he was nominated for an Oscar, and The Pianist, for which he won the 2003 Academy Award for best adapted screenplay.

He has also won a BAFTA award.

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