TWO teaching assistants have celebrated a fantastic 30 years of working at the same school.

Carol O’del, from Thundersley, and Julia Hannan, from Leigh, have had an amazing run at Cedar Hall School and neither plan to ever stop working at the special needs school.

Echo:

Royalty - the pair were queens for the day

The pair began their careers at the school in April 1989 and staff threw them a joint surprise bash to mark the occasion.

Carol said: “I originally came as a temporary cover teacher, which was only meant to be for about two weeks.

“Before I knew it, I was a midday assistant, where I’d set up the hall and then go on the playground. Then I ended up staying and here I am 30 years later.

“I think I’ll be at the school until I die.”

The 64-year-old added: “It was my first time working in a school and I soon realised it’s what I’m meant to do. I absolutely loved it. I settled in straight away.

“Working with the children has been such a rewarding experience, you feel good that you can help them and are impacting their future. We help them with their reading and writing ability, which they can learn how to improve and deal with. Of course, it’s sad when they leave, they grow up with us really.

“My favourite memory is seeing how nice the kids look when they have their prom. It’s their time to dress up like every other mainstream school, feel included and have fun.”

Both teaching assistants were treated to their very own thrones, gifts, decorated classrooms, and a lunch out afterwards to celebrate.

Julia, 53, said: “Even though I always wanted to work in a school, in that time they didn’t employ younger staff and I was only about 18. So I went into social services first and kept applying for the job until I finally made it.

“Now, I’ve been in most departments around the school and have the responsibility of overseeing other teaching assistants and arranging work placements.

“Never has Cedar Hall ever seen a dull day. This job has been rewarding and challenging, I’m still passionate about it even though I’m no longer a fresh face, now I’m part of the furniture.

“It would be hard to find a more dedicated team of staff, they go above and beyond for their pupils. They’ll have to carry me out before I leave here! I wouldn’t fit in anywhere else.”