Mehreen Thahia Shortlisted for Teacher of the Year 2025

Three-Year-Old Who Suffered Bleed on the Brain After Falling Off Bike Nominates Teacher for Teacher of Year to Thank Her For Support in Recovery 

When three-year-old Jude had to take time off nursery to recover from a bleed on the brain, it was his teacher Mehreen who made sure he still felt part of the class. Her kindness didn’t just help him settle back in — it helped him heal. 

Mehreen, who works at Hatching Dragons Nursery City Branch, was nominated by three-year-old Jude and his mum Sheri. 

Jude found himself hospitalised after he accidentally fell off his bike while playing at home. Despite wearing a helmet, he suffered a brain bleed and whiplash. 

“He is such a quiet, reserved kid, and as soon as he gets his bike out, he becomes a daredevil.” Sheri said. 

“He was wearing his helmet and he fell off his bike, initially I thought it was a normal fall, but then I saw a huge bump forming on his head.” 

Sheri rushed Jude to the local hospital, where it was discovered that he had suffered a minor bleed on the brain and whiplash. 

“They told him he would recover, but he needed 2 weeks off nursery.” Sheri said. 

Sheri was initially concerned as it took Jude a while to settle into nursery. 

“It has taken him quite a long time to get used to nursery. We were worried he would regress back." 

However, it turned out she needn’t have worried, as Jude’s nursery teacher, Mehreen, was there to support him. 

“Mehreen made sure that Jude still felt included by making him a get-well-soon card, and she got all the other children in the class to sign it.” 

When Jude returned to school, Mehreen was there to guide him. 

“She also was so caring and supportive of him when he returned to nursery, and as a family we really felt that her support helped his recovery. She went out of her way to speak to me and my wife and talk to Jude. We could tell she really cared and was very worried about him.” 

Jude and Sheri are keen for Mehreen to get some recognition for her amazing support. 

“She’s just really kind. She has a lot of kids in that class, and to have that extra energy and care when you are overstretched shows she is going above and beyond in her job. She’s not just going through the motions.”  

From handmade cards to quiet check-ins, Mehreen’s thoughtful support meant the world to Jude and his family — and it’s why she’s a finalist for Teacher of the Year 2025. 

What happens next?  
The Teacher of the Year 2025 winner will be announced on 4 July, live on Fun Kids Breakfast with George. 

We’ll be sharing each nominee’s story across our social channels in the run-up to the big reveal. 

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to keep up with the countdown. 

Want to see who else made the shortlist?  Meet all the amazing finalists here. 

And if you’ve got a teacher to thank before term ends, you can still create a Collection Pot today, the easy way to chip in together.