Pre-school teacher retires after 30 years

When term starts at Fernhurst Pre-School Judy Holliday will not be going back for the first time in 30 years.

Judy is retiring having seen generations of small children through her care so that now children of her first children are attending sessions during the week.

Judy moved to Fernhurst in 1984 having worked for Barnado Homes but by 1986 she was taking over at what was then called Fernhurst Playgroup, a charity run by a parent led committee, held in the youth club buildings.

As the years progressed, the attendance became larger and took younger children and the need for more space which they could call their own became more and more important.

Despite the fact that most of the children moved up to the primary school, it took several years for Judy to effect the move to their own space within the school grounds, a move welcomed by all not least because of the ability it gave the pre-school to develop inside and out.

The pre-school now has its own outside space both hard surface and woodchip.

The group under Judy’s leadership has always joined in with the community.

They have visited local farms; they partake in the annual village Revels for years dressing up individually and on a magnificent float; sports days and nativity plays were a joy to watch; pancake races were toddled with their paper plates and homemade playdo pancakes.

The children learnt their letters and numbers and most importantly they learnt to socialise .

At a farewell leaving party organised by Jane Bloomfield for Judy, there were staff and parents from across the years.

Photographs of events of the last 30 years caused great interest as children were recognised - or not!

Despite retiing from one way ofhelping children Judy has no intention of stopping being with them but hopes to spend more time with her special interest, special needs children.

Fernhurst Pre-School provides high quality, affordable and stimulating childcare for children aged from two to five, in a safe and supportive environment, working in partnership with parents. It runs Monday to Friday morning, afternoon and all day sessions between the hours of 9am and 3pm during school terms.

Find out more at fernhurstpreschool.org.uk.

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