Every parent wants what's best for their child - including their education.
And for parents on the playground at St Joseph's Catholic School in Blaydon, they know they have struck gold with headteacher Andrew Ramanandi.
With schools working on a shoestring budget, a number of vital resources have been cut as a result including support for vulnerable pupils, teaching resources and extra curricula activities.
This led to teachers across the borough uniting to write to parents asking them to sign a petition demanding Parliament to pump more funds into education.
Mr Ramanandi was one of the leading figures behind the petition, which attracted more than 113,000 signatures, that was debated at the House of Commons in March.
And for parent Lisa Stephenson, she admits she couldn't wish for a better role model for her children Ashleigh, 10, Samantha, eight and Danielle, four, to look up to.
That is why she has nominated him as this year's Community Champion at the Chronicle Champions Awards.
Lisa, 34, of Blaydon, said: "All schools are struggling at the moment and Mr Ramanandi has been one of those fighting not just for his own pupils, but for children across the country. He's been fantastic.
"All the parents are so proud of what he has done for our children.
"He's been fantastic since arriving at St Joseph's and he really has turned the school around.
"We're so lucky to have him because he does it all because he wants the best for our children's education.
"The parents and children all love him and we can't thank him enough for what he has done.
"His resilience and positive attitude is rubbing off on the children and I think he absolutely deserves this award."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now promised to inject £14bn over three years for England's schools.
Next year schools will receive a £2.6bn uplift, rising to £4.8bn the following year - with schools spending £7.1bn more than at present by 2022-23.
Mr Ramanandi says he is pleased at how the petition has brought national attention the inadequate funding schools receive throughout the country.
He said: "My school is oversubscribed and we are turning people away.
"We have also had a big reduction in staffing and expected to continue providing a high standard of education for the same amount of pupils.
"The petition brought nationwide awareness of the funding issue in education. Serving the parents and pupils is my job and it's very humbling to be nominated for this award.
"I'm so grateful but it is worth mentioning there were many other headteachers who contributed to this petition too.
"If it helps schools receive more money then it will be one of my best day's work."
