'They have kept me young at heart': Well-known Chesterfield headteacher thanks children as he says farewell to classroom

Cliff Hadley thanked the ‘truly wonderful' children at Brimington’s Henry Bradley Nursery & Infant School where he has served since 2012.

Although he admits some aspects of teaching have changed ‘vastly’ since his career began, Mr Hadley insists the role teachers play in ‘nurturing the children in our care’ remains the same as ever.

And he says he has enjoyed his time at Henry Bradley School ‘immensely’.

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"The governors and staff have supported me tirelessly and everything we have achieved we have done so together,” Mr Hadley said.

“The children of the Brimington community are truly wonderful and it has been my pleasure to help each one strive to ‘reach for their stars’, which is our school motto.

"I believe that the most important aspect of our role is to make children feel safe and happy.

"That they enjoy being at school and develop a love of learning, the cornerstone to their lifelong learning journey.

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“I would like to thank the parents and carers for the way they welcomed me into their community.

"I have a wealth of memories that I will recall and smile about in the years to come.”

Mr Hadley began his teaching career at Wingerworth's Deer Park Primary School in 1983, before moving on to Ashover Primary School, where he met his wife Tracey, and served as headteacher from 2006.

He said: "It is hard to believe that on looking back, when I first came into teaching there were no educational computers of any sort in schools and I remember the excitement when we took ownership of our first PC.

“Education has changed vastly: there was no National Curriculum and no Ofsted when I started."

In retirement, Mr Hadley is hoping to find more time to play his guitar and rekindle his love of painting and writing.

He is also hoping to return to his ‘first love’ by doing some supply work as a classroom teacher again.

"I have had the opportunity to work with some wonderful colleagues and amazing children,” he added. "They have kept me young at heart!”

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