Retired Rotherham headteacher, 60, dies from coronavirus

Julie Mott, 60, only retired from running Newman School in 2017 and had also taught at other special schools in the region, including Heatherwood in Doncaster and Oakfield Park near Pontefract.

She lived in Ackworth with her partner Ashley Hewitt, whom she met while teaching in the special needs sector, and was one of five siblings who grew up in Hemsworth.

Julie worked on the Isle of Wight and in London during the early days of her career before moving back to Yorkshire. In retirement, she continued to sit on education forums and was involved in a research project about developing resilience. She was also a governor at Redscope Primary School in Rotherham.

Newman School's current head Paul Silvester announced her death on the school's website: "It is with great sadness I have to report that my predecessor as headteacher at Newman School, Julie Mott died on Saturday night from the coronavirus.

"I had only a few shared moments with Julie, but being at the opening of the new hydrotherapy pool, Julie was able to see years of her work come together for the students of Newman School; there was true joy in her eyes to see it being completed. It was not about personal achievement, although it was, it was an achievement for the children the pupils and the benefits they would achieve from the pool.

"Julie helped many staff personally, professionally through good times and bad. Many staff as this sad news has broken, shared stories of her kindness, determination, support, sense of humour and laughter that has been so warmly remembered.

"She worked incredibly long hours with a passion for our children and staff, she remained dedicated to them after her retirement. Amongst many of the details in this sad news is the shortness of the time in retirement in which she shared aspirations and memorable moments with friends and family."

Over 300 tributes were left to Julie on the school's Facebook page, many of them from parents of children she had taught.

Sarah-Louise Davies wrote: "If you asked me for three words that described Julie, it would be headstrong, resolute, and compassionate. She always put the needs of the kids first - she'd laugh with them and cry for them, she'd go above and beyond. Many memories, little funny anecdotes that I kept replaying last night - and will continue to."

Corey Beech commented: "Rest in peace to a fantastic woman. Provided a brilliant educational environment for those with additional needs. She gave me a place at the school when I was 14 and I will be forever grateful for it. Thank you for all you did Mrs Mott."

Leona Smith Goodison added: "I remember working with this lovely, lovely woman, she was so easy to talk to and a credit to the profession. In school she had time for everyone - an excellent example of a senior staff member, Evey child had a place in her heart. Out of school she liked to let her hair down and party just like everyone else. I will look back on Julie with the fondest of memories."