Tributes to 'much loved' member of staff who died during 'traumatic' day for Swansea primary school

A book of condolence will be placed at the school this week for people to leave their memories of Carol Watts

Tributes have been paid to a "much loved and respected" staff member who died at a Swansea primary school.

Carol Watts, a teaching assistant in the nursery at St Thomas Primary School, was suddenly taken ill on Friday morning.

In a letter sent out to parents, headteacher Russell Dwyer called Friday a "traumatic day" and said a book of condolence would be placed in the school this week.

The letter read: "On Friday morning, Mrs Carol Watts, one of our teaching assistants in nursery, was suddenly taken ill.

"Despite the swift response of our staff members and the best efforts of the paramedics, Mrs Watts sadly died.

"Friday was a traumatic day for us all but I am so grateful to the staff for putting the children first and coping until the end of the day.

"I am sorry to afternoon nursery for cancelling the session but I hope you can see now why I had no choice.

"Carol was a much loved and respected staff member who gave her best for the children in her care.

"Since Friday, I have received a number of moving comments as to how she touched some of you and your children’s hearts.

"For this reason, we will have a book of condolence this week that people can write in should they wish to share any memories of Mrs Watts.

"This book will be outside the school office from Tuesday to Friday."

Mr Dwyer stated that the last two weeks of term would be "difficult" but that the staff and community "will support each other".

The letter continued: "We have two weeks left in school before we finish for Christmas and I can’t deny that they will be difficult for us as staff; however, we will continue to ensure that children have positive and memorable experiences because that is what we are here to do and they come first.

"Staff have therefore decided there should be as little change as possible to planned events. I will keep you informed as we proceed.

"Thank you as ever for your ongoing support. It is always appreciated but at this sad time, even more so.

"We are a strong and close staff in a strong and close community and together we will support each other."

The school, in Grenfell Park Road, has around 350 pupils on its roll, and was judged to be a good performing school following an inspection by Estyn in 2014, with strong leadership.

Nick Williams, Swansea Council's director of education, said on Friday: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and everyone associated with St Thomas Primary School following this dreadful news.

"The member of staff was suddenly taken ill and despite the best efforts of colleagues and the emergency services, has sadly passed away.

"Support is in place for the whole school community."