A teacher who set up a community pantry has been nominated for the national Teacher of the Year competition. Natasha Paling, who teaches at Balfour Primary School in Brighton , is known and loved in the school's community for her work to help families in need. While training as a teacher, Natasha set up The Pantry at the school in Balfour Road to create a safe and non-shameful place where parents can get food, uniform and other essentials for free.
To do this, the primary school teacher raises money through charity fun runs and seeks donations from the community. READ MORE: 'Desperately needed': Strong support for plans for new Aldi store Natasha - who has been nominated by a number of parents - is also said to go the extra mile to help her students. Parent Louise Batten said: “Natasha is a local legend in our area because she is so active in the local community, such as setting up The Pantry.
"There can be a stigma attached to accessing a food bank, so calling it The Pantry was a considered action by Natasha to make it a place where people can go to get the things they need, from food to uniform. “There is even an aisle in The Pantry that is like the ‘middle of Lidl’ with a different theme each month, like sports clothes or dressing up. "It’s a nice place to go and everyone is welcome, it doesn’t have to be because you’re on a low income.
" Louise said Natasha communicates well with parents at the school. She said: “She really understands what it’s like to b.