Landmark birthday for town's oldest nursery

And the opening of the Accrington Road Nursery was a pioneering step made right here in Burnley back in 1932.

For it was the first nursery in the town, one of 10, and survived along with only three others.

Re-named as Taywood Nursery School several years ago, the nursery was officially opened by Sir George Newman, the Chief Medical Officer.

It was described at the time as a “model” nursery school in a town that was leading the way in that type of education. There was a huge demand for nursery education in Burnley and an article in the Burnley Express and Times said this was due to the high number of young mothers who wished to return to work in the mills after having their children.

There has only been five headteachers at Taywood and the current head is Miss Gail Murphy.

Rated as Outstanding across the board by Ofsted, there is a lot to celebrate at Taywood Nursery School and nursery nurses Liz Lupton and Susan Wheeldon are making sure that happens.

Both have 30 years service at the nursery so they are now caring for second and third generation children. Susan even attended the nursery as a child and initially went to work there on a temporary basis.

Liz said: “The nursery has changed and evolved over the years but we are still here doing the same job, looking after children and helping to give them the best start in life.”

An open day will be held later in the year to celebrate the landmark year and among those invited will be former pupils, parents, staff and supporters.

There will be a display of photographs, newspaper cuttings and other items of memorabilia relating to the nursery on display and taking pride of place will be the original handwritten register that is still in excellent condition.

Liz is also hoping that one of the nursery’s original pupils, who she has managed to track down, will also be able go along and meet some of the youngsters there now.