THE manager of a Lechlade pre-school has rung the bell on her job after more than 20 years’ commitment.

Ann Richardson resigned as manager at Lechlade Little Learners at the end of last term following 12 years at the helm.

“I started as one of the mums on the committee more than 20 years ago when my daughter was at the playgroup and worked my way up,” she explained.

Ann saw the successful transition from playgroup to pre-school but one of her highest achievements came last year when the pre-school was awarded ‘outstanding’ in its Ofsted report.

“That was a highlight for me,” she said. “It was one of the things we had been working towards. All the staff were so dedicated in putting in time and effort to making the children’s experience as good as it could be.”

She has watched a generation of Lechlade children move on to adulthood. “I have seen the children grow up and come out of the other end after university,” she said.

Ann will miss the staff and the children. “It’s been a very fulfilling job. I absolutely loved it.”