Celebrating 25 Years at Cutenhoe Hill Primary School and Nursery
“We are proud and grateful to have Nassima on the team. She is an asset to the school and is loved by staff and children alike”
Nassima Begum has been a much-loved member of the Cutenhoe Hill Primary School family for 25 years.
In September 2001, Nassima Begum walked through the doors of what was then known as Surrey Street Primary School and began what would become a remarkable 25-year journey.
Nassima initially joined the school as a Teaching Assistant in Poppy Class, becoming a familiar and friendly face to children, families and staff. After getting married in 2004, she took maternity leave in 2008 following the birth of her first child. When she returned, Nassima began a new chapter in her school career, moving into Intervention, where she supported children with English as an additional language and helped them to feel included and confident within the school community.
During this time, Nassima also spent time working in the Nursery, supporting our youngest children as they took their first steps into school life before moving on to Reception.
Family life continued alongside her career at the school, with Nassima welcoming her second child in 2011 and her third in 2017. Throughout it all, she remained a valued member of the school team.
Following her return in 2017, Nassima moved into Key Stage 2, where she has remained ever since. Today, she works alongside class teachers, supports children with special educational needs and provides invaluable assistance across the classroom.
But Nassima brings much more to school life than her dedication in the classroom. She is a wonderfully creative person who loves painting and crafting, and she is also an exceptionally talented cook. Her colleagues at Cutenhoe Hill have been fortunate to enjoy the results of her culinary skills on many occasions!
To mark her incredible 25 years at the school, Nassima treated staff to a delicious buffet lunch in the staff room at the beginning of this term. It was a fitting way to celebrate a quarter of a century of friendship, commitment and service to the school.
A rope bridge, a school trip and a memorable rescue! When asked about the funniest thing that has happened to her during her time at the school, Nassima recalled an unforgettable incident from one of her very first years.
During a school trip to Mead Open Farm, Nassima found herself in a rather tricky situation while crossing a rope bridge.
“I was walking across a rope bridge at the farm and got my legs stuck in the rope. I had to be helped off by a member of the public. All of the children were laughing as I was untangled from the rope. I’m just pleased that this was before mobile phones had cameras!”
It is certainly a story that has stood the test of time—and perhaps one Nassima is particularly grateful was never captured on camera!
“I love seeing the progression children make” After 25 years at Cutenhoe Hill, what is it that has kept Nassima at the school for so long?
For her, it comes down to the people and the children.
“It is such a friendly place to work. All of the staff are so supportive of everyone and I love seeing the progression children make as they move through the school. The love, support and encouragement I have received from everyone, including the children, has given me a lot of satisfaction.”
Mr Geer, Acting Headteacher at Cutenhoe Hill Primary School and Nursery commented “We are proud and grateful to have Nassima on the team. She is an asset to the school and is loved by staff and children alike.”
Nassima’s 25 years at the school represent countless friendships, hundreds of children supported, many happy memories—and no doubt quite a few more stories still to be told.
Congratulations, Nassima, on an incredible 25 years at Cutenhoe Hill Primary School and Nursery. Thank you for everything you have contributed to our school community!