Much loved teaching assistant retires after 34 years at Mansfield school

Gill Oakden is retiring on Friday after 34 years of working as a Teaching Assistant at Farmilo Primary School in Mansfield.

Headteacher of the Woburn Lane school Suzanne Tryner said: “This is a massive achievement and she has touched the lives of so many children, giving them a brilliant start to their education.

"We are so lucky to have worked with such a great practitioner but we know that Gill is ready to spend more time with her lovely family including her four grandchildren. We wish her a very happy retirement and lots of love and best wishes from all of her colleagues, children and parents.”

Mrs Oakden 59, started at the school in 1984 initially for three months on a part time basis before working full time when the nursery was built.

She said: "Here I am 34 years later. Altogether I’ve worked with five different heads and it’s just been an amazing school. The staff have been absolutely wonderful – the children and the parents , everybody has been so supportive - Mrs Tryner and all the staff.

“It’s a lovely atmosphere and it’s been an absolute joy and pleasure to work at Farmilo.

“You have not just got colleagues, you have friends as well that help you through the day.

“I think now’s the time to go onto the next phase of my life, spend time with family and friends and go on adventures and explore. I will really miss the school.”

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