A PENARTH teacher has been recognised for delivering exceptional services to teaching, for her use of technology to help disabled children who are unable to communicate through speech.

Ysgol y Deri teacher Lisa Rees-Renshaw received was presented with the Pearson Teaching Awards silver award for Outstanding Use of Technology in Education last week, after making a “life changing difference” to the lives of students.

The technology she uses tracks the eye movement of pupils to control a computerised voice system.

For some, this has allowed them to interact with others for the first time in their lives.

Ms Rees-Renshaw has now been invited to the UK final, where she hopes to become one of just 11 winners of the prestigious gold award.

Broadcast by the BBC, Tony Blair and David Cameron are among those to have previously presented awards.

Following the presentation, Ms Rees-Renshaw was keen to point out the collective efforts of other staff, parents and pupils at the school had contributed to her award.

“I see the award as a reflection of the dedication and commitment of all the staff at our school,” she said.

“Together we are now able to deliver opportunities to an amazing group of pupils on a daily basis,.“I’m also really pleased about the fact that we’ve won in a mainstream category.

“Using an extensive range of technology, the children are able to communicate, access education, develop independence and above all, have some control of their world.

“I don’t class what I do as working at Ysgol Y Deri, it’s something I love to do.

“It is an amazing place to be, full of people who care.

“We can’t change the fact that these children have disabilities, but what we can do is to prepare them for the life they are going to lead in the best way possible.”

Ysgol y Deri head teacher Chris Britten, and Vale of Glamorgan councillor Bob Penrose, the cabinet member for learning and culture, handed Ms Rees-Renshaw the Pearson honour last week.

Mr Chris Britten said: “Lisa’s contribution to our school cannot be overstated. “She was singled out by Estyn for excellent practice and has made a truly life-changing difference to so many children’s lives.

“This recognition is thoroughly deserved and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank her on behalf of the pupils, staff and parents for the wonderful work she does day in day out.”

The final of the Pearson Teaching Awards will be held in London on October 22.