Sophia is currently Senior Prefect at Loughborough Amherst School but her association with the Foundation and ultimately the Nursery goes back a long way! Sophia comes down to the Nursery to read with some of the older children in the Pre-School and one day we took the chance to interview her.

What is your earliest memory from your time at the Nursery?

My earliest memory from nursery is being assigned as the picture of the teacup to hang my coat up and for naptime. I remember going from the solider to the teacup and being absolutely thrilled! I much preferred the teacup, not a clue why.

From what you can remember, how was your transition from the Nursery to Loughborough Amherst? Did you feel more comfortable having been in the Foundation already?

I do remember feeling more comfortable, but being so young, it doesn’t really matter that you’re only moving next door, everything feels so much bigger. It definitely was still scary in a way. However, I remember the comfort of having the same teachers behind me, and never leaving the familiar faces too far behind. The consistency was really good for me.

Have you made lifelong friends from the Nursery?

Absolutely! There are some girls from my year and the year above that I am still in touch with to this day, it’s so nice to still have people who I can share memories with.  And there are so many people I still remember from nursery, it’s always nice to recognise some of the faces you spent so much time with.

Is there anyone that you still go to school with now that you also went to the Nursery with?

Yes! Coincidentally they are both in my year! We have all been here for roughly the same amount of time.

Is there a member of staff that you still remember from your time at the Nursery? What impact did they have on you?

I remember Mrs Holford and Mrs Coley the most. Mrs Coley, I know to this day, she has seen me grow up in and out of school, I am very thankful for her. And I love still being able to see Mrs Holford. She always used to help me get into nursery if I was crying.

Do you remember what you wanted to be when you were at the Nursery? Do you still want to do this now?

I think I wanted to be a fashion designer or a historian. It’s not exactly what I’d want to be now, but it’s not far off. Clearly, I was dedicated!

What was/is your favourite place in the Nursery and why?

If there was a reading corner, I was in it. I loved any beanbag or pillows I could get myself on. I would always be cuddled up in corners with books.

What would your advice be to parents wanting to start their child’s journey at the Nursery/within the Foundation?

Go for it! It will really nurture your child; I was always allowed to be who and what I wanted. Any child’s quirks are embraced here, it truly is a great place.