Back in the classroom at 86-years-old

A care home resident in Windsor was delighted to be back in the classroom once again to reconnect with her past career as a headteacher.

When the team at Care UK’s Mountbatten Grange, on Helston Lane, learned that 86-year-old resident Margaret Treacy, a retired primary school headteacher, was keen to put her teaching cap back on, they were determined to fulfil her wish of going back to school.

The team arranged for Margaret to visit Homer First School in Windsor, where it brought back many special memories of being at the front of a classroom. For a second surprise, the Mountbatten Grange team invited children from St. Edward’s Catholic First School in Windsor to visit Margaret at the home, and during their visit she read them their favourite stories.

Margaret was born in Belfast and moved to London with her family in the 1960s. Sadly, she had to drop out of school with very few qualifications as she had to help raise her seven younger siblings.

Later, Margaret decided that she wanted to pursue a career in teaching and subsequently completed a teaching training course at St. Mary’s University in Twickenham. She then obtained a bachelor's degree, proudly becoming the first person in her family to graduate from university.

She went on to teach at St. Edmund Campion School in Maidenhead, where she worked her way up to being deputy head. She then became head teacher at St. Mary’s Primary School and later moved to St. Joseph’s Primary School in Bracknell. While teaching, Margaret also earned a master’s degree at the University of Reading.

Despite planning to retire at the age of 65, the team at St. Mary’s University got back in contact with Margaret and asked if she would become a consultant mentor, coaching prospective teachers across the UK for the next eight years, which she gladly accepted.

The visit formed part of Care UK’s 'Wishing Tree' initiative, which enables residents to put forward their wishes to revisit old hobbies or try something completely new. Whether it’s a fish and chip supper, a skydive or watching a football match, no wish is too big or too small.

Commenting on her trip back to school and the visit from the children, Margaret said: “I had a wonderful time with the children! It brought me back to my days as a teacher.”

Debbie Winwood, Home Manager at Mountbatten Grange, said: “It was great to see Margaret connect with her past career. She has so much passion for teaching and dedicated many years of her life to the profession.

“Here at Mountbatten Grange, we understand how important it is for residents to live fulfilling lives and connecting Margaret to her past is just one example of how we do this. We also know how beneficial nostalgic experiences can be. For many, they can provide a sense of purpose and improve wellbeing.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Homer First School and St. Edward’s Catholic First School for inviting Margaret back to the classroom and visiting her at the home. She was truly in her element!"

Mountbatten Grange is a luxury care home that provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. The home features 72 en-suite bedrooms and enables residents to live active and fulfilled lives while also promoting independence. Mountbatten Grange has its own café, hair and beauty salon and cinema.