Karina Webster has retired from Myrtle Park Primary School in Bingley after an education career that spanned 44 years at the same setting.
A long career in the nursery and infant years
Mrs Webster worked as an early years practitioner across the school's nursery, reception and Years 1 and 2. School leaders and colleagues said her determination to make learning enjoyable left a lasting mark on pupils and families who passed through the school during her tenure.
"The children have always been the reason I've come to work each day," Mrs Webster said. "Watching them grow in confidence and seeing generations of the same families come through the school has been an absolute privilege."
Headteacher Kevin Wheeler, who is also retiring this summer after 28 years in education and four years at Myrtle Park, described Mrs Webster as someone who had consistently “gone above and beyond” for children, providing them with a warm and patient start to school life. He recalled her enthusiasm for school events, including the summer water fight where staff sometimes got wetter than the pupils.
Impact on the school community and what comes next
The school's deputy headteacher, Sally Knowles, will become acting headteacher in September. She said Mrs Webster had been “a part of the fixtures and fittings” at Myrtle Park and that her long service was central to the school's identity. The school plans to publicise her long-standing commitment in recruitment materials to reflect the impact she has had.
- Service length: 44 years at the same school
- Roles held: Early years practitioner across nursery, reception, Years 1 and 2
- Leadership change: Deputy headteacher Sally Knowles to act as headteacher from September
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Myrtle Park Primary School, Ash Terrace, Bingley |
| Years at school | 44 |
| Headteacher retiring | Kevin Wheeler (28 years in education; 4 years at Myrtle Park) |
Colleagues emphasised that Mrs Webster's legacy was not only the practical support she provided to early years education but the atmosphere of enjoyment and care she helped create. Parents and former pupils often remember the warmth and the playful approach she brought to learning, qualities that staff say are difficult to replace.
As the school moves into a period of leadership transition, staff emphasised continuity for pupils. Mrs Webster said she will "always treasure the memories" from her time at Myrtle Park, reflecting on the privilege of seeing children develop and families return across generations.
Local residents who wish to leave messages for staff or find out more about the school's plans for the coming term can contact Myrtle Park Primary School directly through its usual channels.
