Thank you and goodbye Sandy Turner
This term marks the end of an era at The Link School as we say a heartfelt goodbye to our much-loved Principal, Sandy Turner, who is leaving after 8½ incredible years of service at our school.
Throughout her time here Sandy has been more than just a leader she has been at the heart of our school community. Her unwavering dedication, compassion, and belief in every pupil has shaped our school into the inclusive, nurturing, and inspiring place it is today.
Leading a SEND school requires patience, empathy, and vision, all of which Sandy has demonstrated every single day. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that every young person regardless of their needs or challenges has been supported to thrive, grow in confidence, and achieve their potential.
Under Sandy’s leadership, the school has seen countless achievements, from improvements in provision and facilities to building supportive partnership with families, this was noted by Ofsted in 2019 when they graded The Link Primary School as Outstanding. But perhaps her greatest legacy was the determined campaigning and advocacy for children with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile, a lesser-known diagnosis that has left many young people unable to access education and their families without hope. Sandy opened our first dedicated PDA provision in September 2022 we now have 2 centres supporting 42 children and they can now enjoy a sense of belonging that runs through every classroom, corridor, and playground of all 4 of our sites.
Staff, students, and families came together this week to celebrate Sandy’s incredible contribution to The Link School. There were smiles, laughter, a few tears, and many fond memories shared. As part of the celebrations, a new sign designed by the pupils at the primary site was unveiled revealing “Sandy’s Garden” a safe space that houses sensory play and creative fun and plenty of room to run around and bounce on the trampoline.
While we will miss Sandy’s leadership, warmth, and guidance, we are excited for her as she begins this new chapter.
From all of us at The Link School, thank you, Sandy. Your kindness, dedication, and belief in every child will never be forgotten. You will always be part of our school family.
