Comments on: So Long, Old Church Nursery School

By: Joan

Joan — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 07:21:28 +0000

Growing up in the nearby tower block Latham House in the 1960s and 70s I used to walk past this nursery school most days – on my way to the paper shop. I didn’t attend there as I went to the Roman Catholic St Mary’s and St Michael’s nursery (quite a revolutionary innovation in itself in that it was opened in recognition of the fact that local Catholic mothers often needed to work, given the instability of their husbands’ employment in the docks). What I do remember – or at least think I do – was that (foreign secretary) David Owen, who had famously moved to Limehouse, sent his children there. It was a time when it was still common for Labour politicians to go outside the state sector for their children’s education and so was deemed worthy of note.
From reading the nursery website I’m hoping that it is the case that the site continues to provide early years education, but now under the banner of Marion Richardson (whose eponymous handwriting scheme many of us learnt!)

By: Marcia Howard

Marcia Howard — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 06:54:30 +0000

What a heartwarming story and well done to the dedication of Bridget Cass. The school, the tree, and images of the building sound like it’s been a huge community asset over the years. An institution in itself. Oh if only we could halt ‘so called’ progress!

By: Jane Steward

Jane Steward — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 06:29:17 +0000

My youngest daughter started here as a three and a half year old in 1992. We were so happy to have found the nursery, tucked away at the bottom of Stepney Green. We lived in a house which had been part of the scout and guides headquarters, Roland House, the history of which documented in The House on the Green.
Old Church gave my daughter a wonderful, secure and happy start to her school life.
Thank you for that. She’s now a chemistry teacher.

By: Cat

Cat — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 23:02:07 +0000

this is the sort of school all children should have the opportunity to experience. I visited it once while a student at the old Institute of Education (University of London). It was a magical place where children were learning in many ways.

By: Mary Laiuppa

Mary Laiuppa — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 21:52:19 +0000

So, what is going to happen to the Old Church School building and the tree? Is Tower Hamlets going to sell it to a developer for a boutique hotel?

By: Hetty M Startup

Hetty M Startup — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 14:45:13 +0000

Thank you for this article and interview – Old Church looks like a very happy place for little ones. I hope it won’t be claimed for another boutique hotel or luxury flats. It looks purpose built, following the philosophy developed by pioneers like Rachel MacMillan.

By: Marnie

Marnie — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 14:01:50 +0000

I teared up when I read that Rachael saw the climbing tree and was anxious to give it a go. No, no: no such child-challenging exercises as a tree or a jungle gym or anything that moves in play yards here. Kids aren’t taught to have safety good sense, and an injury no matter how small can result in a financial windfall for a certain type of people who are lawsuit hungry.

How beautiful are the Union Jacks strung around the yard, reminding the children what country they are in. Our students are more likely to be surrounded with flags from anywhere else, or the rainbow or other political banner. The American flag or portraits of George Washington–the father of our country–that used to be standard in a classroom are now taboo–they might offend someone’s sensitivities.

GA, I especially appreciate the lovely people you interview because their memories take me back to times when neighbourliness, self-reliance, and national pride inhabited the hearts of nearly everyone. Thank you.

By: keithb

keithb — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 10:44:51 +0000

Volunteer unpaid governors such as Bridget are important people. They keep the professionals accountable to the parents (speaking as a safely retired professional).

One day, I hope that people will realise that effective education is best delivered in small autonomous organisations. And that it costs money. OFSTED(*) grade 1 outstanding goes with those additional non-teaching staff. That means paying a little more income tax, but the investment pays off over the years.

(*)OFSTED is OFfice for STandards in EDucation for the benefit of overseas readers. They inspect schools and colleges in the UK and publish reports.

By: Bethea Jenner

Bethea Jenner — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 09:06:38 +0000

What a tragedy! Instead of getting rid of this amazing place there should be similar schools country wide. I had never heard of it and don’t have children but the benefit of this kind of early learning can’t be measured in monetary value.
With very high regards
Bethea

By: Lesley Harrison

Lesley Harrison — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 08:37:38 +0000

What a lovely tribute to the school and to Bridget. Our daughter was a pupil in 1986 and I remember her beginning to write – except the words went right to left across the page. Her teacher said “Great, she is writing”, with no attempt to change the direction. I loved the enthusiasm and encouragement the children experienced.