AN "outstanding" nursery is celebrating 35 years of looking after generations of Kidderminster's children and bidding a fond farewell to one of its founding members.

The Railway Children Childcare Centre, located next to the Severn Valley Railway, is spending September commemorating three and a half decades of educating the town’s youngest residents.

“It’s been an incredible adventure,” said Ann Whitby, who retired this month, aged 67. “When Hazel Cox and I started Hokey Cokey Nursery in the mid-80s, it was only for half a dozen children three times a week.

“We never dreamed we would be providing childcare for five full days a week, 51 weeks a year, for nearly 60 children.

"To be honest, there were times we didn’t think we’d get beyond a few months to begin with but here we are, with a wonderful complement of staff, fantastic children, and big plans for the future.”

After starting the business in February 1985 in an old community centre, the new staff organised a "welly wang" to generate much needed funds to keep their fledgling organisation open.

It relocated to the current premises 10 years later and now the nursery is hosting another welly-flinging contest for their latest fundraiser.

“It’s bizarre but quite magical, there’s children I was looking after in 1985 that are bringing their own grandchildren in now,” added Ann.

“Lots has changed in the business, especially the amount of rules and regulations, but we still stick to our core beliefs of learning through play and creating a home from home for both our children and their parents to feel comfortable in.

“If the children are inspired and feel creative - which is what we always aim for - then that child is set for life.

"It’s been a real pleasure to see so many bright young people grow up into wonderful adults.

"It’s a joy to watch the staff carry that legacy on. Our latest Ofsted report ranked us as outstanding so we must be doing something right.”

A particular highlight for Ann, who was showered with cards and gifts from grateful parents in her final week, was winning a grant from the National Lottery to expand the nursery to its current size at the turn of the century but she’s now looking forward to her much-anticipated retirement.

“I’m looking forward to putting my feet up but I’ll always have the children and staff in my thoughts,” she said.

“I think my husband is expecting me to lend a hand with a few more household and garden chores but he’s got a surprise coming!”

Harriet Webb, who has a two-year-old attending Railway Children, was full of praise for Ann and her team.

“We moved to the area at the start of the year and didn’t really know anyone,” she explained.

“I spoke to Ann on the phone and she immediately put me at ease. After a visit to see the premises I was sure I’d made the right decision and now nine months later Reuben’s speech has developed enormously and he’s always excited to head to nursery to see his friends and carers.

“I’m going to miss Ann but I’ll always be grateful for what she’s done for my child and for the town in general.”