Julie Anderson, headteacher at Churchfields Infants’ School, reflects on the 44-year career of much-loved nursery nurse Jenny Brown, who retired from the school last term
Jenny Brown, a local nursery nurse, known to generations of children as Miss Brown, retired from Churchfields Nursery at the end of the autumn term after a staggering 44 years in the job.
Jenny, from Chingford, first started working in the nursery at Churchfields Infants’ School in the spring of 1976 and has seen six headteachers come and go during her time at the school, not to mention generations of children. Indeed, parents of new children at the nursery often tell staff they too were taught by Miss Brown and have fond memories of their time in nursery with her.
While the covid-19 pandemic may have made it impossible to hold a large-scale retirement party, colleagues from throughout her career have expressed their best wishes and recalled memories of working with Jenny in nursery and her caring attitude towards the children, not to mention her enthusiasm and willingness to try new things.
Staff presented Jenny with a special book detailing lots of memories from staff, children and families – past and present. One former student, Poppy, who is currently studying Natural Sciences at Bath University, said: “I have lots of fond memories of Churchfields Nursery and I know the reason I enjoy my studies so much is because Miss Brown helped to develop my love of learning. Thank you for being my first teacher!”
Another parent wrote: “Thank you so much for being a kind and caring teacher, and for looking after our girls. You really helped shape them into who they are today.”
While Jenny will be sorely missed at the nursery, she is not expecting to be idle. She is the carer for her 95-year-old mother as well as being an active member of North Chingford Methodist Church. She likes walking, gardening, theatre and travelling, and has often volunteered for different projects – including being a Games Maker during the 2012 Olympic Games in London and installing the ceramic poppies for the Tower of London art installation in 2014.
I would like to thank Jenny for her hard work, dedication and support during her time here at Churchfields Infants’ School. Jenny is an experienced, caring and much-valued member of our team and we will miss her very much.
I wish her lots of happiness for her well-deserved retirement. Forty-four years working in education is a huge achievement to be proud of. Keep in touch, Jenny!
For more information on Churchfields Infants’ School and Nursery in South Woodford, visit churchfieldsinfant.com
