A WELL loved pre-school teacher is retiring in a blaze of glory as her staff celebrate an "outstanding" Ofsted report.
Time has come for Liz Kelly, 65, of Birchwood Drive, to give up the children that have kept her happy for over 30 years as manager at Wilmslow Methodist Pre-School.
But the blow of leaving has been sweetened by the last-minute Ofsted success.
Liz said: "It’s great to leave on such a high.
"It’s been a wonderful week and I’m still taking it all in.
"I’ve had lots of presents and a great send off and the Ofsted was the crowning glory.
"What an amazing way to finish."
Liz was expecting a quiet final week as she wound down for her farewell - but the Ofsted inspector turned up and put an end to that.
Mother of two Liz, who has three grandchildren, added: "I wasn’t expecting the inspector to turn up and it gave me some more work to do, but the staff and children were fantastic as usual.
"The inspector commended how the staff were with the children."
Liz’s retirement starts with a bang as she plans to jet off to Australia to see her son and grandchildren.
And days at the pre-school will be replaced by reading, "doing things more slowly" and getting more involved with her church, St Johns.
But she said she will miss the kids.
The former primary school teacher added: "It’s my time to leave but the school has been my life.
"The children are just wonderful at that age, so innocent, and are a delight no matter what tragedy is going on in your life."
Staff at the 40-year-old Water Lane pre-school are sorry to see Liz go.
Deputy manager and friend Gill Atterbury, of Grange Park Avenue, said: "Liz has seen thousands of children come and go and is a real character round here.
"She is hardworking, full of energy and life and the kids pick up on this.
"Liz has been a scream to work with and I’m sorry to see her go."
The praise is mutual, with Liz adding: "The staff at the school are all so talented.
"I’m sure they’ve given me more than I’ve given them."
