School unveils reading area in memory of staff member

Rufford Primary and Nursery School, on Hoewood Road, held a dedication ceremony for the Jill Green Story Telling Area to coincide with the celebration of World Book Day on Thursday, March 2.

Jill Green was a long-serving teaching assistant at the school, and a founding member of the school’s Friends Association, who succumbed to cancer in late 2016.

Headteacher Alison Tones said: “Jill worked at the school for more than 20 years, and she had a passion for reading—she would listen to children read at any opportunity.

“Reading is a big focus for the whole school, so we thought it fitting to remember her this way.”

During the ceremony a plaque was unveiled on the area’s main reading chair, designed by Jill’s colleagues.

Jill’s husband Rob Green attended the ceremony, and Alison said: “It means a lot to her family that she was so valued here, much missed, and will be remembered forever.”

The Friends Association applied for funding from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme, using it to buy seating and planting for the playground.

Alison said: “We want to encourage children to read in any environment, and this way they can take their books out at lunchtime and experience them in a different way.

“This area will also allow teachers to take lessons outside, which can really add to pupils’ enjoyment and motivation.”