Nelson nursery school unveils memory garden in honour of former Headteacher who died in car crash

A nursery school in Nelson has created a memory garden in tribute to their much-loved former Headteacher, who tragically died in a car crash in January.
The Bradley Nursery School memory garden for their late Headteacher Claire LucasThe Bradley Nursery School memory garden for their late Headteacher Claire Lucas
The Bradley Nursery School memory garden for their late Headteacher Claire Lucas

Having been Head at Bradley Nursery School since September 2016, Claire Lucas died earlier this year, prompting an outpouring of tributes to her and leading to a maple tree just inside the school grounds being converted into a shrine dedicated to her legacy.

With students, teachers, and parents alike leaving flowers, cards, and messages for Claire under the tree, the area has since been converted into a permanent memory garden. Acting-Head Mrs Kay Burke, who will take on the role full-time from January 2021, led the push for a lasting tribute to Claire alongside governors and teachers, with a local artist creating a bespoke mosaic for the garden.

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"It has been such a turbulent year for our school community," said Mrs Burke. "We had a tremendous outpouring of support from our community and Jacquie Smith, a fabulous local artist, gave her time to support our staff and children to design and create the special stone mosaics in our memory garden."

Tributes at the memory gardenTributes at the memory garden
Tributes at the memory garden

With parents rallying to donate funds for the garden, Mrs Burke added: "Bradley Nursery school is at the heart of our local community and is an 'Outstanding', child-centred school that works in partnership with our families to provide the very best start to every child's early learning.

"As Headteacher, I want to build on Claire's legacy to ensure we continue to provide the very best care and education for every child that attends our wonderful school."

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