A fond farewell from Fairfield Park Lower School Deputy Headteacher Mrs Jayne Bradley, who retired at the end of the Spring Term:

Fifteen years ago, almost to the day, I was persuaded by family and colleagues to apply for the position of reception teacher at a school to be built at Fairfield Park. I came to look at a building site with only the foundations of the new school in place, decided I should take a chance, and I haven’t looked back since.

It has been an absolute privilege to be a member of the Fairfield Park Lower teaching team, in the early days, helping to shape the ethos and, over the years, supporting its physical growth.

As all those parents and children who have passed through the school probably know, my passion is with the Foundation Stage –nursery and reception. This is where the children settle into their learning journey and where the magic of – among many, many other skills – reading, writing and maths begins. Getting to know the children in these early years and then being able to watch them grow and develop through the school has been a joy.

Over the past fifteen years I have worked with many wonderful people, met many lovely families and seen the smiles of many, many children on a daily basis. This I will truly miss.

It is now time for me to change tack and pace. My aim is to spend more time outside, walking and gardening and perhaps Mr Bradley might persuade me to take up some other new hobbies. I am also looking forward to spending much more time with my family and being available for ‘Nana duties’ – I may see some of you at pick up time in the not-too-distant future!

I would like to thank everyone in the school community, past and present, for all the support you have given me over the years.

My very good wishes for the future.

Mrs Jayne Bradley