Caretaker Karen celebrates 30 years at Hartlepool school

Rift House Primary School has played a major part in the life of site supervisor Karen Malone and her family.

Not only did Karen, 59, attend the school as a girl, her children and grandchildren went there, and one of her daughters is now a teacher at Rift House.

The school came together to throw a special celebration to mark Karen’s 30 years of service.

She said: “It has just gone in a flash. I started as a cleaner and when the caretaker was sick I ended up doing the job and have never looked back.

“We all work well together as a team and put a lot of effort in for our amazing children.”

Karen’s daughters Leanne and Lesley both went to the school and now Leanne is a teacher there.

She has also seen numerous different generations of local families come and go.

The school has seen a number of physical changes during Karen’s time, including the joining of the former infants and junior schools and addition of the nursery.

Karen’s long service was recognised in assembly and at a party attended by parents and former staff members.

She was presented with gifts including flowers, chocolates and bottles of wine.

But Karen, who lives close to the school, has no plans for retirement.

Headteacher David Turner said: “Karen is very much part of the foundation of the school. She is well-respected both inside and outside the school by children and parents alike. She is a pleasure to be around.”