CHILDREN and staff at a special school have said an emotional farewell to their longest serving member of staff.

Heather Campbell has left Mabel Prichard School in Oxford after 36 years.

Ms Campbell joined as a lunchtime supervisor in October 1986 and later trained as a teaching assistant, becoming an integral member of the school's teaching staff.

She has supported the school's nursery and primary pupils.

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During her time at the school, Ms Campbell has tried her hand at many things including teaching sign language and helping to put on school plays.

Her long service was celebrated in a special assembly at the end of last term where she was presented with gifts from the pupils and the chairman of governors, Chris Scrivener.

Oxford Mail: Heather Campbell Heather Campbell (Image: Mabel Prichard School)

Headteacher Lucy Wawrzyniak, said: "We are incredibly sad to see Heather leave us and I know she will be hugely missed by students, staff and families.

"Heather's dedication to the school has always been remarkable and we are so pleased that she was able to develop and grow her career here.

"She has been a wonderful teaching assistant – always going above and beyond to give our students an exceptional education.

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“We thank her for her many years of service and wish her well as she begins her retirement.”

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This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford and Wantage.

Get in touch with her by emailing: gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @geeharland