AN Ellesmere Port school has bid farewell to a teaching assistant after she spent 31 and a half years in the role.

The Acorns Primary and Nursery School teaching assistant Jane Speed has retired.

Jane started working in the nursery department at Atherton Infant School, which then amalgamated with Pooltown Juniors in 2011 to become The Acorns Primary and Nursery School. Jane has seen the school through so many changes and has directly taught over 1,000 pupils, in addition to the many lives touched of children in different classes.

Among current staff members includes a teaching assistant who was in the nursery at Atherton Infants when Jane was working there.

Many other members of staff also fondly remember Jane supporting their children when they were at school here, who have now grown into adults themselves.

Jane had a Covid-safe farewell from pupils and staff at the school, who will miss her greatly and want to share how much her work has been appreciated.

Governor Martin Nield also wished her well with her retirement, acknowledging her accolade as the longest-serving staff member.

Jane will now settle into retirement, spending more time with her own parents and pursuing other interests at a slightly slower pace!