School cleaner honoured for 30 years' service
A school cleaner has been recognised by pupils and staff for her 30 years' of dedicated service during a special presentation.
Instead of other children taking centre stage in an achievement assembly, former Kislingbury Primary School pupil and grandmother-of-four Phyll Hamp was presented with a card and a bouquet of flowers in front of youngsters and teachers.
Mrs Hamp, 61, was originally employed at the village school as head cleaner in 1979 and, after seven years, she took on extra duties as a dinner lady, which included ensuring children sat in their designated places for lunch.
She said: "I've lived in the village all my life and both my children, Samantha and Jason, attended the school. At the time I needed some work and saw the post advertised which fitted in with the children's school hours.
"As a dinner lady, I had to make sure the children sat on their correct tables and ate their food in the right order, as some would start on dessert first.
"The lunchtime supervision job wasn't continuous because I took time off to look after my nephews and grandchildren but carried on the cleaning work in the evening as my main work."
Mrs Hamp attended the village school aged five, along with her brother and three sisters, when the site was split into an infant and junior site. Over the years the primary school has increased in pupils and expanded to include a library and foyer and modern equipment such as computers.
She said: "I've really enjoyed working at the school and have two grandchildren who are currently pupils, with another starting in September.
"I love being with the children during the lunch break and it's like being in a big family at the school because everyone is so nice. I will continue until I retire."
Mrs Hamp was also treated to a special lunch by staff and presented with jewellery to mark her long service.
Headteacher Janet Northing said: "This is a major achievement and one which is becoming much less common in this day and age.
"It really is something to celebrate and holds many life lessons for the children, including commitment, dedication and service."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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