Posted on: 7th March 2022
Three generations of family’s service to Hartlebury school
A Hartlebury mother and daughter served the village school for 55 years – and now the third generation is keeping up the family tradition.
Chelsea Maughan, aged 30, is following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother after being appointed a lunchtime supervisor at Hartlebury CE Primary School.
Her mum Tracy Maughan, aged 58, was also a lunchtime supervisor, cleaner, classroom and swimming lesson helper there for 15 years, until taking up care work around 2006.
Grandma Val Wooldridge, aged 84, served the school as caretaker, lollipop lady and lunchtime supervisor for 40 years. Her retirement, in 2006, was marked with a letter from the Queen in recognition of her long service.
Chelsea, whose sons Noah and Hunter, aged six and five, are pupils at the school, said: “We are fifth generation in the village, with four generations attending the school – my grandad Stanley Wooldridge, my uncle and mum, me and my two brothers and now my children.”
Tracy added: “There are so many connections across the generations and it’s lovely to have that kind of bond at what is a really friendly village school. If ever anyone needed anything, or any support for any reason, they’d be there for you.”
Head of school Sophie Bartlett, who has taught at Hartlebury for 19 years, said she was “delighted” to appoint Chelsea – who is one of her former pupils.
She added: “It’s wonderful to see the generations grow up and this family’s commitment and service to our school is phenomenal. It demonstrates that we truly are at the heart of the community.”