Jane says farewell to school

05 April 2007

When teaching assistant Jane Bonnett started working with youngsters with special needs at Suffield Park Infants School, Cromer, she insisted on being called by her Christian name. And her friendly and informal approach certainly paid off as, 23 years later, she still keeps in touch with former pupils.

“When I first started I was working on a one-to-one basis with a pupil with special needs,” she explained. “I gradually moved on to work with the whole class but I never wanted to be called Mrs Bonnett.”

Jane, who retired last week, began helping out at Suffield Park in 1981 when her own children were pupils at the school. After taking a job as welfare assistant 3 years later, she found herself becoming more and more involved in school life.

As well as helping found the school's Friends group 10 years ago, she has been a bus supervisor since 1996; looks after pupils' first aid needs; accompanies youngsters on school outings and has made costumes for school productions.

Headteacher Ian Money. “She is loving, patient, caring and understanding and she has been there for everybody in the school.”

Learning support and assessment class teacher Ros Hele said: “Jane always gives that bit extra, she is extremely kind and has a great empathy with children. Also, she has been a tremendous support to me - as a colleague and a friend.”

Suffield Park staff marked Jane's retirement with a party at the Constantia restaurant, West Runton, and she was presented with a digital camera bought by staff and parents.