Irene is a local childcare pioneer. She opened the first playgroup in Leigh Road, Street in 1962, and ran it successfully 27 years.
Irene was born in 1922 in London and left school at 14 years old. Her first job was as a dressmaker, then she trained to be a Nursery Nurse in 1943 and worked throughout the war.
Everyone enjoyed listening to Irene tell her story, as she related how much childcare had changed over the years.
We all loved having her visit and felt very proud to meet her. Next Steps team and children will keep in contact with her from now on - our childcare predecessor and icon !
