IT is the best job in the world — just ask Sue Warren and other teachers and school staff who are retiring this week.

Mrs Warren is retiring after heading The Oaks Primary School for the past 14 years and having spent all her working life ensuring children achieve their potential.

She said: "I am desperately sad to be leaving, but I am getting used it to.

"This has been a big part of my life .

"It is the best job ever."

Mrs Warren, has worked in schools across Bolton as well as in neighbouring Bury, but is herself a Salford girl.

During her last week at school she has been spoilt by parents and children who are just as sad to see her go as she is to leave.

Mrs Warren, aged 62, said: "I have been working with the best team.

"I have seen the children and move on to big things and go on to achieve."

She said: "I have had a lot of surprises and the parents have been very generous. So much thought has gone into everything I have received."

Mrs Warren said she was looking forward to spending time with her family.

After working 40 years in Bolton's schools — 24 of which were at Grosvenor Nursery School in Kearsley — Maureen Vickers is retiring at the age of 65-years-old.

She said: "It does feel strange, but I think because it is the summer holidays, it will hit me in September.

"I have stayed here because of the families, parents and the staff.

"I have just loved working with early years children, it is so rewarding."

Mrs Vickers, who is a Bolton girl, has worked in Brandwood School and Egerton School in reception and early years.

Now she is looking forward to taking holidays when they are cheaper as well as spending time with her family, and looking forward to following sport — especially her beloved Bolton Wanderers FC.

But she is not turning her back on education.

Mrs Vickers said: "I am a governor at Church Road School, my old primary school.

"I have two children and four grandchildren and everyone tells me I will still be very busy."

Two long serving and much loved staff also retired this week from Kearsley West Primary School.

Barbara Hughes, teaching assistant has retired at the age of 75-years-old after working with the children at the school for more than 40 years.

But it is a case of au revoir rather than goodbye as she will be returning to school one day a week as a volunteer.

Janice Mayoh is retiring after 31-years, after holding a number of positions, including the nursery teacher ever since the nursery opened, early years lead, and the school special educational needs coordinator.

Headteacher Lesley Cooper said: "So strongly does Barbara feel that children matter she is not leaving completely and she is a tremendous asset with her calmness, experience and serenity.

"It matters to her that every child achieves the best they can — she spent three days encouraging one pupil because she wanted him to get the mark they deserved.

"Janice we think has been involved with the lives of 1600 children since starting and as SENCO she has worked tirelessly to ensure that every child with special needs has had everything they have needed."

Mrs Cooper said: "The school provides a warm and nurturing environment for pupils and staff. We have staff here who worked her a long time, they come in and stay and that longevity works in the school's favour to continue that tradition."

Also retiring is Alan Mottershead, head of Canon Slade School in Bradshaw.

Writing in the end of term newsletter, he said: "I have loved being here and being back here."

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