Susan Hall

Susan is a Learning Support Assistant at Percy Hedley School who has been with the Foundation since 1985.

Percy Hedley School is a specialist education provision in Killingworth for students aged 3-19.

Susan is responsible for supporting learners across a range of activities and assisting them to achieve milestones.

How long have you worked at the Percy Hedley Foundation?

I came in 1985 and was made permanent in November 1986.

What has your journey been within the Foundation to get to where you are today?

I started at Percy Hedley School at the age of 16 on a Youth Training Scheme. I was lucky enough to be offered a permanent position at the age of 17. The Foundation encouraged me to enrol at college, doing night classes where I achieved my Nursery Nursing Qualification (distinctions in all modules). I’m so glad that I was encouraged to do this. Throughout my years at Percy Hedley School I have been known as a Nursery Nurse, Special Support Assistant and now a Learning Support Assistant.

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in your time at the Foundation?

There have been many changes over the years; it has grown so much in size, we offer more services and there are a lot more staff employed. When I first started there was only one school and Chipcase Residential.

What does an average day look like for you? 

My average day is a busy one, but full of fun. No two days are the same. From walking through the door, I’ll be prepping the class for the day ahead, collecting students from transport, supporting students with everything including personal care, supporting during lessons and all the bits in between. The day just flies over!

What’s your favourite part about your role?

My favourite part of my role is, and always will be the students. I love to see their progression and achievements however big or small, the smiles and laughter just makes me burst with pride. There’s not many jobs where you can conga along the corridors, and get high fives along the way to the next lesson.

What is your greatest memory of working at the Foundation? 

I have so many great memories, from meeting famous people such as Lady Diana and Princess Anne, to appearing on the television programme “Something Special” and meeting Mr. Tumble.

The best memories are of the students achievements: their first time sitting on a stool, first time standing up, first time using a VOCA, the list is endless. I also have lots of precious memories with lots of special staff over the years, we used to have staff parties/celebrations in the school hall (after the students had gone home) with the staff providing the entertainment. I also won Man of the match in a football match, staff v pupils. The list is endless.

A piece of advice to someone joining the Foundation? 

If you want a job where you’ll be working as part of a fabulous team, where every day is different, challenging but very rewarding, then this is the job for you. You’ll be given lots of opportunities to learn new skills, which will make an impact to the students.

The only way to do great work is to love what you do.

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