Most teachers spend just one school year with each pupil before they move on to a new classroom and teacher, but Rachel Thorne has been teaching James Morgan for three years.

James, seven, was diagnosed with autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in 2003 and during this time Rachel has been busy working with his mum, Sharon, helping to get James a place in a special needs school.

Rachel, 33, says: “The bureaucracy can be frustrating but I have enjoyed the challenge. James is adorable, he is a lovely little boy and having taught him for three years I will miss him.” After a child has been diagnosed with autism the Local Education Authority (LEA) makes a statutory assessment of the child’s educational needs. After the assessment the LEA decides if special help is required and if so a statement of special educational needs is produced.

This can be a long and drawn out process, but from the start Rachel was on hand to support the Morgans.

Sharon Morgan says: “Miss Thorne has gone absolutely above and beyond her duty, whenever I had a query she was there. She has rung me at 7pm sorting things out. James would not have got where he is at if not for her.” Rachel has been a teacher for 10 years and has been at Waddon Infant School in Purley Way, Croydon, for four years.

As well as teaching year two pupils, Rachel is also deputy head at the school, but still finds time to enjoy her vocation, She says: “I enjoy everything about teaching, watching the children achieve and move on and grow and see them develop in all ways.” And her feelings at being nominated for an award? “It is a very nice feeling but embarrassing,” she explains. “It is a good boost to the ego. It’s nice when people realise what you do.” James has now been offered a space at the Link Special School, Croydon Road, Sutton, from July.

Sharon is relieved James has been offered a place at the school: “It’s brilliant. I visited all the special schools in and out of the borough and this was the one that best suited James. He spent the day there and absolutely loved it. I only got the letter last week confirming his place.” Sharon nominated Rachel, from Hither Green, south-east London, for a Champions award, saying: “Rachel Thorne has been my son’s teacher for the last three years and in this time he has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD. She has helped us through some very stressful times, like getting James statemented and helping to place James in a school for his needs.

“He has stayed behind a year in infant school. Miss Thorne is always there and will always have time for us or explain anything. She has done over and above that of any teacher; she is one in a million.” If you need help or advice on autism and related disorders call the National Autistic Society’s helpline on 0845 0704004 or MIND in Croydon on 020 8668 2210.