Marion has been at the College for 32 years and counting, starting as a student becoming a member of staff in 1993 in the College’s nursery at Whitworth House. She later changed roles and became a Work-based Assessor in Early Years. She progressed to becoming Head of Early Years and Education and Partner Provision at the College. However, this year she decided to change and has become Head of Construction and Building Services for Apprenticeships. She enjoys her job and cherishes the memories of her time with the College nursery.
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
I was only planning to stay for a short period of time; I was offered the job at the nursery part-time and decided to take it until I found something full-time. Fortunately for me, there has been some fantastic opportunities which I have embraced that has kept me here for 32 years and counting.
In 1991 – 1993, I was an NNEB (National Nursery Examination Board) student at West Suffolk College, and my placement was the College nursery in Whitworth House (since replaced by Minden House). This building was one storey and was shared with the Sports Academy.
At the end of my course, on the 6th July 1993, I started a part-time role as a Nursery Assistant. During my time at the nursery, I completed various qualifications: Advanced Diploma in Childcare and Education, Certificate in Management Studies and the Diploma in Management Studies. I became a section head of the Toddler department in 1997 and stayed in this role until I left the nursery in 2004. The Nursery was in Burma House by that time, although later it sadly closed.
I joined the Workplace Learning Department as an Early Years Assessor (what we would call apprenticeships today). Throughout my time within this department, I became a Senior Work based Learning Coordinator for Early Years, Subject Area Manager for Early years and Programme Manager for Early Years and, until recently, Head of Early Years and Education and Partner Provision.
More recently, in February 2025, I became Head of Construction and Building Services for Apprenticeships. I had previously looked after the construction team for a while and really enjoyed the challenge. That’s my 32 years working at the College, and I have to say I have loved it. I have worked with some amazing people; managed – and still do manage – some passionate and dedicated team members, who make coming to work a pleasure.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
There are many special moments from my journey: the nursery, the great staff, children and parents – we had a lot of fun and laughs at the nursery. Throughout my time at WSC there have been many special moments; I have had lots of laughs along the way. The colleagues that I work with have a lot to do with where I am now, and the great opportunities that I have had to get me to where I am now.
Receiving my Ten-Year Long Service Award from the then Principal Ann Williams (now Ruthven).
One child I cared for at Whitworth House is now a member of staff!
What memories do you have of the College Nursery?
While in the nursery we took part in several of the Bury St Edmunds Carnivals; parents, staff and the children had great fun in decorating the carnival floats. For the first float we did, we had a budget of just £50! That year, the theme was the Second World War. We came 3rd – a great attempt and we had great fun participating in the carnival fun.
The theme for the next year was soap operas; we did Emmerdale – again a great effort – and were awarded 2nd place. The theme for the following year was countries of the world. Our float was Holland, and we came first! By this time, we had involved our colleagues in different departments in helping us create the resources we needed: the carpentry department built our windmill with moving sails, wooden tulips were made from our in-house carpenter at the time, and one of the student’s parents did our makeup. We had now reached the year 2000; our float was Computer Bugs. This particular year the nursery manager Gill Scrivenor participated in the float. It was great fun; we didn’t actually achieve a place this year as the carnival parade had evolved. There were several other floats, more than normal, and therefore more competitors.
2001 was our last carnival, and the theme was Mardi Gras. This was our most exciting float, including balloons as grapes and tropical costumes. It was amazing; we had a music system set on our float, which was loud but put us all in the mood for the spirit of the carnival. Our efforts paid off, and we came first. Those years participating in and organising the carnival floats with my nursery colleague Meg Ward were some of the best times. It was such fun, and seeing your efforts payoff is such an amazing feeling, we absolutely loved it. Not to mention the fun and sterling efforts of the parents and children that took part over the years, giving up their time to help decorate the floats and get ready. Throughout the carnival years, we had the same haulage company provide us with the articulated lorry for the day: BJ Nunn Haulage. They were absolute stars; without their kind generosity, we wouldn’t have been able to participate in the carnivals.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
I am sure that WSC will continue to grow and go from strength to strength.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
Embrace the challenges and opportunities.
