Joan Baker has been a primary teacher for 30 years and teaches Year 12 at Wingate infant school near Peterlee, County Durham All the staff of this 125-strong school signed a letter in praise of Joan, who spent the summer transforming the school grounds. There’s now a garden with picnic benches, a pond and a story circle. Joan obtained a pound;1,500 grant, organised workmen from community service and encouaged more than 20 local firms to donate time and materials. “She’s an absolutely vital cog in the wheel,” says head Sue Waugh.

Please send the name of your Friday Hero - and why he or she should get a bouquet - to Sarah Bayliss, Friday magazine, The TES, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX, or e-mail sarah.bayliss@tes.co.uk. Flowers kindly supplied by Marks and Spencer