How did your Forest journey start?
I first heard about Forest through the Altrincham jungle drums!
Not being from the area, I hadn’t heard of our little school until I got chatting to a mum friend, who mentioned there was a part-time role at Forest.
I got in touch and was lucky enough to land a part-time job as a Reception Class Teacher, working alongside Mrs Thomson and Mrs Howland. It was a very special time. I had my son during that period and remember bringing him into school to show the children how to give a baby a bath! He’s nearly 17 now!
You’ve been teaching at Forest for 20 years. What is it about the school that has kept you here for so long?
So many things!
A huge reason why every day is such a joy is that I get to work with the exceptional Mrs Wells — a brilliant Teaching Assistant and a lifelong friend.
Forest really does feel like a family. Working alongside colleagues for so long means we know each other incredibly well. We encourage and support one another, as well as the children, and we all share the same goal and vision: to provide an education and environment that nurtures and develops confident, happy children.
There is also something incredibly rewarding about looking around the hall at our children, from Year 1 right through to Year 6, and knowing that I have played a small part in their growth and development.
What makes the transition into Year 1 such an important stage in a child’s education, and how does Forest support children through it?
There is a gentle move towards a more formal approach to learning in Year 1, and the ‘traditional’ subjects start to take a more prominent role. The children still have lots of fun and learn through engaging activities and topics, but they spend more time at their desks and the emphasis on learning through play begins to ease, which can take a little getting used to.
After the first term, though, the children adapt really well. We focus on cementing those all-important building blocks that they need as they move through Year 2 and beyond, while still making sure that learning is enjoyable and engaging.
What are some of your favourite memories from the past 20 years?
It’s difficult to name them all! All the big celebrations we’ve held in our grounds have been amazing.
My Hyde’s 50th was a particularly memorable day, as were the Jubilee celebrations and our own centenary celebrations. They were wonderful occasions and such a lovely reminder of what makes Forest so special.
How would you describe the atmosphere in your Year 1 classroom at Forest?
I hope it’s a happy one.
The children work hard, but we have lots of fun along the way. We celebrate their ‘wins’, big or small, and strive to create a calm, colourful and welcoming classroom where children feel safe, can move around freely and are motivated and excited to learn.
If you could describe a Forest child in three words, what would they be and why?
Happy — because they feel secure and safe with their teachers and their peers.
Confident — because they are given so many opportunities to shine and discover what they can do.
Caring — because from a very young age, we teach our children the importance of caring for themselves and for others.
Finally, after 20 years, what is it about Forest that still makes you excited to come into school each morning?
There is nothing more joyful than being around five- and six-year-olds all day! They are funny, inquisitive and always ready for a story.
Every day is different, and their enthusiasm, curiosity and sense of fun make coming to school a real joy.
