Spalding school bidding farewell to head and long-serving teacher

Staff and children at a Spalding primary school are bidding a fond farewell to their head and also a long-serving teacher.

Head at Ayscoughfee Hall School, Spalding, Clare Ogden, is stepping down after nine years at the helm and 39 years teaching, and Year 4 teacher Sue Cooke is leaving after 32 years' teaching, all at the London Road school.

Mrs Ogden said: "I feel my years here at Ayscoughfee have been particularly special. I knew the day I came for my interview that this was where I really wanted to be head teacher.

"The warm, friendly, and caring ethos of the school was so evident to me from the moment I walked through the door. I will miss the children, parents and governors and the amazing staff who always go the extra mile for the children”.

During her time at the school, Mrs Ogden has instigated a number of major initiatives and projects.

They include a refurbishment of the infant block, new playground areas, a cookery lessons kitchen, a new junior library, Forest School and Spanish as well as Year 6 skills which includes work in the community.

Mrs Ogden added: “Truly great schools don’t suddenly exist. You nurture brilliant teachers first; you have the right support staff around you and they in turn make a truly great school. We value respect, honesty and kindness.

"We look out for one another. We put children at the heart of everything we do, ensuring they enjoy school and have the best possible start in life, both academically and personally, giving them the best foundation for the future.

"I know the school will continue to thrive and develop further under the leadership of Mrs Wright. She has a great deal of experience and knowledge which will help her in taking the school forward."

Teresa Wright, currently the deputy head, has been a class teacher for 14 years and will take over the headship from September.

She said: “I am delighted and privileged to be continuing the fantastic work Mrs Ogden has done at Ayscoughfee. My first priority will be to welcome back all of the parents and friends of the school and to return to normal school life, resuming all of the lovely things the school is renowned for and the wonderful family atmosphere that we enjoy so much.

"These are exciting times and I look forward to the challenges ahead and for a happy future for all at Ayscoughfee”.

Mrs Ogden played tribute to Mrs Cook, who, after dedicating her whole teaching career to Ayscoughfee Hall School, retires alongside her at the end of the term.

“Sadly, this term we also say goodbye to Mrs Cook who has taught at the school for an impressive 32 years. It is wonderful to see how much she still enjoys teaching with such enthusiasm and passion and never without a smile on her face.

"I know the staff and children will miss her very much. She has been an outstanding teacher for the school and it is hard to imagine school life without her."

Mrs Cook, looking forward to retirement with her husband, said: “I take with me countless happy memories of time spent with pupils, staff and parents, all of whom have made my time here special. I feel privileged to have been a part of such a wonderful school for so many years."