SINCE Grappenhall Heys Community Primary School opened for the first time in 2001, Davina Woods has always treated those who have walked through its doors like a member of her own family.

Now after 39 years and a term of teaching – not that’s she's counting - Mrs Woods has made the difficult decision to retire.

But before she bid her final farewells to the school she has worked at for more than 14 years, the Warrington Guardian surprised her during a school assembly to reveal that she had been named as our teacher of the month.

Shocked by the news of the award, Mrs Woods added she has been honoured to lead the school and see it grow from the ground up, literally.

She said: “How many people get the chance to open a brand new school? I couldn’t believe I was the lucky person who got the job in February 2001. I have not looked back since.

“We were based at Bridgewater High School to begin with because there was no building.

“The most important things I had at that time were a hard hat and wellies. The first day it opened was just fantastic.”

Since the age of seven, Mrs Woods always knew that teaching would be the career path she would follow.

“I wanted to be a teacher because I fell in love with my year three teacher and I have never been able to find her and tell her how she inspired me," she said.

“I loved school. I even remember my first day in reception class.”

Speaking about what she will miss the most, she added: “I love being with the children and seeing them develop and making opportunities for them and helping the staff to find themselves as well.”

Parent Karen Ford, who nominated Mrs Woods for the award, said: “Every child who has ever gone through this wonderful school has been helped along their way by her.

 “She treats each of the children like they are members of her own family.”

Each month, the Warrington Guardian celebrates the hard work, dedication and achievements of one deserving teacher in the town.

The award, which is sponsored by education recruitment and training consultancy Academics Ltd, honours a teacher who has made a real difference to the school community.

To nominate a deserving teacher for next month’s teacher of the month award e-mail lauren.hirst@nqnw.co.uk.