A primary school has waved goodbye to a 'much loved' deputy headteacher after 14 years of teaching.

Staff and pupils at Wylam First school have bid farewell to 'popular' Year One leader Sean Daly-Brand who is going to work for Newcastle City Council as a Deputy Superintendent Registrar.

The 54-year-old used to work in the hospitality industry, make-up and theatre, and retail management before working in schools in London and then started teaching at Wylam school in 2008.

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After fourteen years, it is time for a new challenge.

Reflecting on his time as a teacher Sean said: "I just hope that in my almost 25 years of teaching I have managed to help each pupil in some way - however big or small.

"I have loved every minute and it has been a privilege to be able to work with small people every day.“

Close colleague and teaching assistant Alex Mahon said: “Sean, or Mr. DB, is 'that' teacher who children will remember for the rest of their lives. Through singing and laughter, he made learning fun and the children's time at school an absolute joy.”

Recalling many fun moments, one of Sean's pupils - nine-year-old Izzy said: “Mr. Daly-Brand was really funny when he was teaching.

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"The funniest thing that he did was doing the pretend 'taking your thumb off trick'.

"He was also very kind and helpful - he works his socks off.”

Grateful for his work with the children especially during Covid, parent Sarah Yates added: “My daughter was taught by Mr. Daly-Brand during the pandemic, his engaging online lessons gave me a real insight into his skills as a teacher and his ability to help children to enjoy and embrace learning

"He was a true support to parents facing the horror of homeschooling and I loved his poetry reading lessons, especially listening to ‘Dog in the playground’.

"He will be missed by the parents of all the children who were lucky enough to be taught by him.”