After 20 years at the University, Pauline Young has decided to retire from her role as the University’s Childcare Services Manager on 31st October 2023. Pauline joined the University in 2004 to lead Westwood Nursery and to support other childcare services on campus.

During her time here, Pauline has built the reputation of the Nursery and has led the team to three successive OFSTED Outstanding awards. During Pauline’s period as manager, the Nursery also achieved the Bristol Standard, an early year’s quality charter mark, and the team won three awards from BANES celebrating their work to tackle health inequalities and to support the health of the families and children using the Nursery.

Pauline was instrumental in helping set up and establish a second University nursery when we had a campus in Swindon and has helped support various after school and summer clubs hosted on campus. Pauline has also supported the development of a number of childcare students from local colleges through study placements and sponsoring people to complete childcare apprenticeships.

'Pauline has made a fantastic and lasting contribution to the University over the time she has worked here. She and the nursery team have played a key role in the development, and subsequent transition to school, of the children that have been lucky enough to attend Westwood Nursery. She will be much missed by staff, parents and children alike.' — Richard Brooks, Director of Human Resources.

Please join us to say goodbye

The Nursery will be having an informal picnic by the Nursery, weather permitting, for the children on Thursday 5 October at 15.30. Parents and carers, past and present, and colleagues who know Pauline are welcome to pop along then to wish Pauline a long and happy retirement.