A retiring headteacher at a Bolton nursery had a tiger-themed surprise last week.
Staff and children at Grosvenor Nursery School dressed as tigers to mark the end of Sue Pounds' 37-year teaching career.
The reason for the pur-fect surprise was in celebration of Ms Pounds' favourite book, 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea', which she has read to generations of children.
Ms Pounds said: "It was all a big surprise.
"I walked into work and all the staff and kids were dressed as tigers, it was amazing.
Ms Pounds in her costume (Image: Grosvenor Nursery)
"My tiger onesie was on my desk as well so I had to quickly put that on.
"It was just wonderful and afterwards we danced to the song, 'Tiger Feet', twice in fact."
Ms Pounds has spent the last 17 years at Grosvenor Nursery School and Day Care.
She initially stepped in as deputy head and rose to the position of headteacher in 2017 with the nursery being consistently marked outstanding by Ofsted.
During her tenure, she tackled numerous challenges, including a staffing restructure, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
When asked why she loves her favourite book so much, she said: "It's just such a good story.
"It's a really easy story to follow, so magical the idea of a tiger coming to tea, such an amazing fantasy, the fear it might come to your house, and you’ve got to a good tin of tiger food in."
She added: "I'm ready for a break and to do other things and see my own grandchildren, I will miss the children and the families, I have lots and lots of lovely happy memories, it's a wonderful school community, it will leave a big hole in my life."
Ms Pound's last day will be July 19 and she admitted that she could be in store for "another surprise".
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