A teacher in Timperley is marking 40 years of service to her school.

Jennifer Eley became a teacher 45 years ago and joined Forest Preparatory School in Timperley in 1979.

She has taught Year 3 pupils throughout her time at the school and has helped hundreds of students, including some notable alumni.

Jennifer said: “So many ex-pupils come back to see me or send me emails and photos and I love to hear from them. I remember staying up all night to watch James Guy swim in the Olympic Games in Rio.”

The school’s Deputy Headteacher, Graeme Booth, was also her pupil at the school.

Jennifer said that Forest Preparatory School had maintained its unique charm, despite big changes to the profession.

She added: “Forest has a special warmth; I describe it as a small school with a big heart.

“The staff are brilliant, and I see them as friends as well as colleagues. We have a lot of fun and we laugh a lot. Everyone looks after each other.”

“Year 3 is an important transition year as children enter the Upper School for the first time, and it is my aim to make the year a very memorable one. My classroom is full of objects and displays that are aimed at inspiring and engaging the children.”

Having served the school for four decades, Jennifer has no plans to stop yet and wants to continue to inspire Forest pupils.

She added: “I just love my job and it doesn’t matter how old you are, there is always something new you can learn.”