Local headteacher thanked ahead of retirement this summer

Michelle Bell, at North Frodingham & Beeford Primary Schools, is retiring this summer.

Michelle has been in education for 34 years. She began as a teacher in Scunthorpe where she worked for a year before joining Driffield Infants in1993.

She spent 18 years at Driffield Infants, taking on roles including year group leader, deputy head and acting head.

Michelle became the Headteacher at Beeford Primary School 15 years ago, as well as being Head at North Frodingham for 13 of those years. She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed school as a child, and I wanted to pass that down to other children. I am passionate about children enjoying their school life and that their experience helps them develop into well-rounded people. Whilst the academic side of school is important, it is also important that children understand values like being kind, and that they are ready for the world ahead. “The highlights for me are when you see children inspired, and a lesson that ignites something in them. Seeing the children smile, enjoy and engage in what they are doing is what it’s all about. I’ve also enjoyed supporting newly qualified teachers and teaching assistants through their journeys, and our school team really feels like a family.

Her advice to others is to “enjoy it and be present with the children in the classroom. There are lots of pressures, so it’s important to get the work-life balance right too.” Michelle’s children have followed in her footsteps, with one being a lecturer and another beginning teacher training this year. As she retires this summer, Michelle said: “I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and my husband.

"I’m looking forward to not making so many decisions each day, but I will really miss the children, colleagues, governors, and parents.”