Tributes paid to former headteacher and foster carer, Lorraine Hanson

A foster carer and former headteacher who dedicated her life to supporting, helping and protecting the children in her care has died.
Inspiring: Lorraine Hanson.Inspiring: Lorraine Hanson.
Inspiring: Lorraine Hanson.

Lorraine Hanson passed away on February 14.

Lorraine was born in Huddersfield, went to school at Deighton Secondary School and began work in the National Provincial Bank.

She married John on July 31, 1971, at Bradley Church and they moved to Newmillerdam where their two children David and Anne were born.

Mrs Hanson on her retirement from St John's CE Primary school.Mrs Hanson on her retirement from St John's CE Primary school.
Mrs Hanson on her retirement from St John's CE Primary school.
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It was during this busy time that Lorraine and John became foster parents and welcomed a number of teenagers into their home, offering them emergency support when it was most needed.

Lorraine then realised that her real interest lay in teaching so, after studying at Bretton Hall College, she began her teaching career at Crofton Priory School. She later taught at Wakefield Prison and Greenhill Primary School, and was deputy head teacher at Vale Primary School, Knottingley, and headteacher of St John’s CE Primary School, Wakefield.

Lorraine was a committed Christian who worshipped initially at Sandal Church and later at St John’s Church when she became head of the school.

During her headship at St John’s she trained as an Ofsted and SIAMS inspector and inspected a number of schools. She also worked for the Diocese of Wakefield interviewing and selecting candidates for ordination.

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After her retirement from teaching she continued her inspection work and worked for Wakefield Council’s Teacher Training Scheme. She was a member of St John’s Parochial Church Council, developed the church’s ‘Messy Church’ programme for children and administered communion for church members in care homes.

Lorraine was thrilled to welcome five grandchildren, who were the delight of her later life.

Lorraine leaves behind a wonderful legacy, not only through her family, but in the thousands of adults and children whose lives she changed for the better.

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