A LONG-serving teaching assistant in Salisbury who is "hugely valued and loved" is set to retire this week. 

Val Thorne has been a familiar face for children and their families at Woodlands School and Oaktree Nursery in Bemerton Heath for many years, and will say farewell as she retires from her role in the nursery on Thursday, May 6.

She previously worked as a playgroup leader and also a nursery dinner lady before becoming a teaching assistant in 2004. She says it has been a “privilege” to see the children develop and also to get to know the parents and families – seeing the generations go through school life.

“Every day is a fantastic day. Every day is different, you cannot work with children and be bored,” adds Val, who has enjoyed “watching them grow and mature”.

The 65-year-old, who is retiring due to her health, says she will miss her team the most who she describes as “family”.

She says it is “lovely” when former pupils at the school come up to her when she is out to say hello and it makes her “feel part of something”.

During her time she has seen the buildings change and the school expand to welcome more children.

As part of her role as a nursery teaching assistant, she comes up with fun activities for the children to do and especially likes bringing teaching outside.

"It is supporting, playing, communicating, listening and making them feel secure and loved and giving them that extra smile and thumbs up if they've done something really good.

"It's about nurturing and looking after them," explains Val,  who says it is lovely to see their confidence grow and "watch them shine".

“This is my life, here is my life, it’s me. This nursery is me. Everything I’ve every wanted to do I've done. I have my family here and memories. That's made me the person I am.”

When she retires Val has a holiday planned and loves history so wants to go on more trips to places of interest.

However, Val won’t be staying away too long as she has already volunteered to help with school trips. She will also be continuing as a cleaner at the school.

Head teacher Matthew Kitley said: “Val Thorne has been a hugely valued and loved member of staff by all children, parents and the whole Bemerton Heath community. She has shown wonderful care and dedication to our children and families during her 33 years at the school.

"She has always had a real passion for developing the nursery and ensuring that our children are able to experience a wonderful indoor and outdoor learning environment.

"She has a wonderful sense of humour and is one of the most positive people that you could ever meet. She will be massively missed by all members of the school community.”

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