Kettering teaching assistant clocks up 30 years' service

A teaching assistant has worked with 2,400 children during 30 years of service at a Kettering school.

Jane Hughes has worked for 30 years at Compass Primary Academy.

Her role has developed massively over the decades and she says that her colleagues are like a second family to her.

Jane said: "I joined as a dinner lady when the school was still known as Henry Gotch.

"Then I got a job in the classroom and my role grew from there. I specialised in literacy and numeracy, then I became a Higher Level Teaching Assistant.

"I have worked with 2,400 children over the 30 years and now my grandchildren attend the school.

"For me the best part of working here is the children, doing your best for them, setting them up for the rest of their lives.

"It is always like a family atmosphere here so our colleagues are very supportive and close-knit.

"It doesn’t seem like 30 years since I started.

"I have loved every single minute of my career."

Compass principal Jo Fallowell said: "Jane is always going above and beyond in her role; from supporting with the development of the library, to leading the Compass Friends, which generates fundraising for the school.

"Her creativity and philosophical approach have allowed our children to become reflective thinkers, especially within the world we live in.

"Whenever you ask staff at Compass what they think of Jane, they would always say how quick-witted she is and her full commitment to amazing fancy dress costumes.

"Her laugh is infectious and her warmth is nurturing.

"We thank Jane for her dedication and commitment over the last 30 years."

Compass Primary School in Windmill Avenue, Kettering, is part of the Brooke Weston Trust.

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