Sheffield teaching assistant supports her school from afar while self-isolating

A Sheffield teaching assistant found a way to support her school from afar while self-isolating at home due to underlying health conditions.
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Karen Breen, 55, from Southall has only just taken her first tentative trip outdoors in months. She has been in isolation since March 16 but she hasn’t sat back watching Netflix. Instead she’s busied herself making soft furnishings for her new class in the pre-school which starts in September at Dore Primary.

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Although nervous at first, Karen was welcomed back by headteacher Lynnette Glossop and other staff members.

Karen Breen a teaching assistant at Dore Primary School has been self isolating since March. Pictured with a selection of soft toys for the new schools Preschool she has made.Karen Breen a teaching assistant at Dore Primary School has been self isolating since March. Pictured with a selection of soft toys for the new schools Preschool she has made.
Karen Breen a teaching assistant at Dore Primary School has been self isolating since March. Pictured with a selection of soft toys for the new schools Preschool she has made.

Karen has spent her all of the 37 years of her career at the school, since leaving Westfield School and qualifying as a nursery nurse at Granville College .

She describes the school as being "my life" and was keen to do something to help while she couldn't be at work.

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Karen also has her own part time business making dog clothes, toys, leads and other dog equipment. She decided to use the surplus fabrics and materials, which normally goes to waste, to make resources for her school.

"I asked myself, how can I work from home? I can put my sewing skills and surplus fabric to use so its a win win for school really as it doesn’t cost them a thing. I still work my hours - I’ve been sewing everyday since.

“My partner has done all the shopping and running around while I’ve stayed at home and sewed.”

While in self isolation, Karen also made 47 face masks for staff members at the school, all with their their initials embroidered on.

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Karen’s first visit back to school was to deliver the new toys she had made.

"I was very nervous but my partner came with me and I had a lovely welcome from Lynette and the staff as I got there. They obviously kept their distance but it was really nice and made it a lot easier.

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