A NURSERY teacher is putting her feet up after working more than three decades at the same Darlington nursery school.

During her 42-years in the industry – first at Gurney Pease School and latterly at George Dent Nursery – Susan McNeilly has taught and supervised literally thousands of children across Darlington borough.

Now 60, Ms McNeilly is retiring from George Dent Nursery and has reflected on a career in which she has ‘seen it all’.

She said: “I’ve so enjoyed the company of the children, they are just fun to be around and I have had the time of my life.

“I would just like to thank the parents for the wonderful children past and present as well as all the lovely people I’ve worked with, and the governors of the school whose hard work and commitment continues to keep it open.”

Ms McNeilly has been part of a team that has seen the nursery school achieve an incredible six consecutive ‘outstanding’ Ofsted ratings – the first of any nursery in the country to do so.

She says she is proud of the nursery’s achievements and admits that she will miss the job, adding: “Most of all it’s the children I’ll miss; they are irreplaceable.”

Head of school Judith Pullen, who herself has clocked up 24-years at George Dent, said Ms McNeilly will be ‘massively missed’.

She added: “She is a one-off really, she is a real character and has got a brilliant sense of humour.

“Whatever happens she manages to find the funny side and the humour in it, but she really has a caring side to her.

“The children and the parents love her.”

Ms Pullen said that between herself and Ms McNeilly they have seen everything in the job and it is that experience that has made Ms McNeilly such an asset to the nursery.

She said: “The world changes, but three and four-year-olds are still going to be three and four-year-olds.

“Between us we have seen most things and it is going to be really strange without her.”

Ms McNeilly, who lives in Hurworth, said she is looking forward to making the most of her retirement by getting stuck into gardening and enjoying some trips abroad.

“I will miss it (the job) but I’m looking forward to retirement and taking it easy,” she said.