In the heart of a West Belfast community, one nursery school is preparing to celebrate its 40th birthday.
St. Maria Goretti Nursery opened in September 1983, and has been helping to shape the lives of children since its formation. Almost four decades later and the current team have the same values and passions as those who first taught in the Whiterock nursery.
Speaking to Belfast Live, nursery assistant Deirdre Nuttall, who is the longest standing member of staff, spoke about her love for the St. Maria Goretti family.
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She said: "I am originally from Hannahstown and I was in a nursery school doing part time work as an SEN assistant when the principal that was here at the time, rang round some friends asking whether anybody would be available to come to St. Maria Goretti as one of their assistants was taking a career break.
"That week I came down and met the principal, and started the following week. That was in December 1995. I am still here today because I just love my job and love working with the children.
"You might have some tough days, but getting in to the car every morning to drive to work, you know every day is going to be different. You're able to do so much with the children and see how much they come on every day, every year, it is just amazing.
"It's went full circle, so I am now seeing the children of my past pupils. Some of my very first classes, their children are coming here now. Our staff as a whole, we have a lot of team members who came here as parents first and then retrained and came to us as students and are now full time members of staff.
"When I first started, 28 years ago, there was only six members of staff and now we are up to a strong team of 11. Over the years it has grown into really strong friendships, who you rely on inside and outside of school.
"The kids are absolutely amazing, and that is why you are here every day."
Deirdre says no two days are the same at St. Maria Goretti Nursey with staff putting their all into making sure each child gets first class care and support, while having fun during their time in nursery.
The nursery has a children’s entrance path from Whiterock Gardens and an entrance for vehicles on the Whiterock Road. There are two classrooms in the school, two quiet story rooms, one activity hall, one staff room/office and a utility room.
And the outdoor space is an area where the young children can explore, with a mini beast garden, a play house, sand pit, flower beds and digging areas.
"We were restricted during Covid and it is great that our two classrooms can mix together in the hall," Deidre added.
"They have their snacks together and get the chance to meet up with their wee friends. The last 28 years for me, I have seen a change in the role of a nursery assistant.
"Our responsibilities have grown over the years and the needs of our children have also changed. We all go above and beyond our job description here because we care so much. It is way beyond the job title.
"We would send a massive thank you to our school community. They have been here for us and we will be here for them. It is a magical school and we are bringing in outside agencies now, the list is endless.
"All we want to do is enhance the day for those children. It's full circle, it's the parents, the children, the teachers, the community."
Video by Belfast Live videographer Dylan Hegarty.
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