A LONG-SERVING nursery manager is stepping down after 26 years of service in Irvine.
Karen Thomson, manager of The Owl & Pussycat Nursery, will retire on July 24 after a career spanning more than two decades in early years education.
She has been working alongside her successor during the transition period to ensure a smooth handover.
She said: "Over the past 26 years, I have had the privilege of being part of so many children’s early learning journeys and have met countless wonderful families, grandparents, siblings, and carers.
"Watching children grow, develop and flourish has been an absolute honour, and I feel incredibly grateful to have shared so many special moments with you all."
Karen also praised her team for their dedication and professionalism.
She said: "I am confident that the nursery is in excellent hands and that Cherie will continue to build on the warm, nurturing, and high-quality environment that we are all so proud of."
Cherie McCulloch will take over as manager on July 27.
She brings more than 13 years of experience in early learning and childcare and has already begun working with the team in recent weeks.
Karen described her decision to retire as "one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make".
She thanked families for their "kindness, trust, and support" over the years, and said she would miss the daily interactions but leaves with "a heart full of wonderful memories" from her time at the nursery.
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