A POPULAR Northwich teacher has bid a fond farewell to the school that has been her second home for almost 20 years.

Emma Leach, deputy headteacher of The Russett School, made the difficult decision to move on to pastures new in Halton after spending 17 years teaching at the Weaverham school.

Emma joined staff in 2001 as a learning support assistant while studying for a diploma in early years education. Part of the course required her to complete a two-week placement in Special Educational Needs and she never looked back.

She said: “After quickly developing a passion for working with our pupils, I decided to stay for 17 years. The Russett School quickly became my second home.”

Over the years Emma has undertaken a range of different roles and enjoyed watching the school go ‘from strength to strength’.

During her time at the Middlehurst Avenue school Emma studied for a foundation and then Bachelor of Arts degree, finally gaining qualified teacher status in 2013 and helping the school achieve and ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating in 2014.

Catherine Lewis, executive headteacher, was keen to praise Emma’s dedication to the school.

She said: “Emma is passionate about children and has always been very keen to develop herself. Over the past four years Emma has played an immense part in the development and success of The Russett School.

“Emma will tackle her new job with the same passion and dedication she has always displayed as part of the team and supporting me in the leadership of the academy.

“Working alongside Emma has been a joy and a privilege.”

Emma thanked parents, carers and staff for their support throughout her career at the school and gave a particularly heartfelt thanks to the children she has worked with.

She said: “For all our pupils, past and present, thank you for teaching me so much, for the laughter we share and, of course, for the memories.

“I shall be leaving school with a bank of wonderful memories to treasure.”