Much loved Tracey leaves Greenwood Primary & Nursery School in Kirkby after 23 years of service.

Kirkby in Ashfield resident, Tracey Darrington, started working at Greenwood Primary & Nursery School shortly after her young son joined the school. That was 23 years ago, and after years of service, Tracey is now saying goodbye to the school.

Latterly a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant in Foundation One at the school, Tracey started her work many years ago in year 6 and worked her way down through the years to Foundation.

Tracy said, “I have mixed feelings about leaving. I’m a bit emotional! I am happy that I will be able to spend more time with my family, but sad to be leaving all of my friends. I

I will miss the children so much because I love being with children, and I will miss my friends on the staff.”

Head Teacher at Greenwood Primary & Nursery School is Kim Tucker who said, “Tracey Darrington has worked at Greenwood for 23 years, and for many years as part of our Foundation Stage One Team. She has taught nearly every pupil in school and most of their parents too!

“Tracey is such a lovely lady who deserves a very long and happy retirement. Tracey has supported children and many families in their child’s first years at school and has made a difference to every one of them. Greenwood will really miss her.”

Tracey says she does see many former pupils out and about. “I do occasionally see some of my former pupils in supermarkets all grown up. Many of them have returned to the school with their young families and I have taught their children too.”

Now Tracey says she will be focusing on her own family. “I will be spending more time with my mum and dad in the Lake District, and also my son lives in South Wales, so hopefully we can spend more time visiting.”

Tracey says she wants the children of Greenwood Primary & Nursery School to continue to make her proud. “I really want the children to continue to work hard so they can go out into life and do what they want to do. I know that staff will continue to make children’s lives full of fun and love and enriching them with their knowledge. I particularly loved working with the youngest children because it’s a great opportunity to give them a good start.”

Nichola Johnson (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) is a close friend and colleague of Tracey and she said, “I have had a cry this morning. We have been friends over the years, and I think we’ve made a good team. We are going to really miss her. She has developed lots of children and given them a flying start to their journey. It will be a big adjustment to work without her here. Apart from the departure of a great colleague, we will be at a loss to know where everything is because she is always so organised! She made a great cup of coffee in the mornings too! Tracey didn’t just support children; she supported her colleagues too and we will all miss her.”