After decades of helping young children negotiate what can be a challenging experience - school! - Ginny Seed retired last week.

Over the years she has helped hundreds of children embark on life in the world outside home.

After training as a nursery nurse at Isle of Man College her first posting was at Braddan School in 1979 until 1987. She took a break while she had three children and in 1999 returned to work at Scoill Phurt le Moirrey, first in the reception class and then with mainstream pupils with additional needs  throughout the school giving extra support for learning, nurture and self-esteem.

Wider society and the family structure have changed radically over the years but she said children have not.

’I believe that from when I began to now, though much has changed in society and family life, the children themselves are exactly the same with their innocence, enthusiasm and sense of fun,’ she said.

The job itself has changed ’significantly over the years,’ she said.

’The biggest change being from children being taught very formally all sitting at their own desks , to more pupil-led learning with kinaesthetic  practical lessons including much outdoor learning.’

There have been many funny moments throughout, she added.

’A little girl holding my hand and saying: "You remind me of grandad as your hands feel all old and wrinkly".

’Being called Mrs Pip instead of Mrs Seed.

’And my favourite, a little boy saying to me: "Mrs Seed, you smell like a Premier Inn!" I was never sure if that was a good or bad thing!

’You have to have a thick skin because little ones will tell you whatever they are thinking and it’s not always complimentary!

’But a plus to that is the young children believe if you are small in height (which I am) you are younger than taller teachers.’

She enjoys following pupils’ progress beyond high school.

’It has been lovely to see ex pupils who I’ve helped who have been very successful as they’ve grown up.

’One boy who struggled with maths is now a high flying accountant overseas!’

The best part of her job she said is ’if you have any worries on your mind , the minute you go in the door the children will take your mind off them’.

Ginny is leaving a job she has loved for personal reasons.

’The time is right for me. I have three grown up children who have all settled off the island, one as far as New Zealand .

’My husband Mark is retired and we have our first grandchild due soon. So we want the flexibility to be able to spend more time with the family.’

She added: ’I know I’ll miss SPLM , the staff, the children and being part of the community. I feel lucky to have been part of it all for so long.’

The Condon family paid tribute to Ginny. Mum Kate said: ’Mrs Seed is always friendly and welcoming and will be very much missed by children and parents. She has had such a positive influence over our children when supporting their learning.’

Lydia, six, said she is ’good fun, makes me laugh and I like working with her.’ Rory, eight, added: ’She makes the hard school work fun.’ She is ’really friendly,’ said Oli, 11. ’Great to have her around when people are sad as she cheers them up.’

Head teacher Ange Callaghan said: ’Ginny has supported many children and helped them reach their full potential.

’She is a kind and reliable person and we will miss her very, very, very much.’