Chellaston
Heartfelt tributes paid to 'beautiful and inspiring' Derby teacher after her sudden death
Dozens of people have sent messages of condolences following the tragedy
Tributes have been paid to "beautiful and inspiring" teacher Emma Holliday who will be "missed by all" at a Chellaston school.
Dozens of messages of condolence have been made following the sudden death of the Homefields Primary School teacher.
The primary school was closed on Monday as a mark of respect to the "devoted" deputy head-teacher who it is understood fell ill last week. The school reopened as normal today.
Homefields Primary closed for the day after one of its teachers passed away
Former swimming teacher Ruth Backhouse knew Mrs Holliday for around five years when Mrs Holliday took the children of Homefields Primary School to Moorways Swimming Pool for weekly lessons.
Derby school closes for day as mark of respect after shock death of deputy head
Mrs Backhouse, who is from Littleover and now works as a property developer, said she was devastated after finding out she passed away.
"Emma was a brilliant teacher who always had a smile on her face," the 46-year-old said. "She was very good at her job.
"I've known her for around five years as she used to come to Moorways every week with the children and we'd split in group teaching them how to swim.
"She was a lovely lady and got on so well with the children. She always used to have a laugh with them. She was born to be a teacher.
"I was devastated when I found out the news, it's so sad especially for her young family."
Mrs Holliday, who was a member of the school's governing body, was responsible for a large number of activities at the Parkway school.
Parents and those associated with the primary school have expressed their shock and sadness over the death of the popular teacher.
One tribute said: "So very very sad. She taught my oldest and was my youngest daughters class teacher this year. A wonderful teacher and a lovely lovely lady. She will be missed so very much. RIP Emma."
And another message read: "What a beautiful inspiring teacher. My boys were taught by this wonderful lady, a gently, loving, devoted teacher. Missed by all. My thoughts go out to your family."
Moorways