Rest is the first thing Dorothy Masters is going to do when she retires after more than three decades working at the same school.

The teaching assistant at Cecil Road Primary and Nursery School, in Gravesend, is leaving her post today (Friday, July 21) after 33 years in the classroom.

Dorothy, known as ‘Dot’, first joined the school, in Cecil Road, in September 1990 as a classroom assistant when she was 33-years-old.

She told KentOnline: “My own children were in the nursery and I went to help out there as a volunteer.

“I met a lifelong friend, Wendy Hampshire, who asked me to come and work for the school when she was employed here.”

And the job has certainly changed over the years.

When she first started there was only two or three support staff, not one for every class as there is now, Dorothy explained.

“In the beginning, we were known as classroom assistants,” she said. “Nowadays it is an actual teaching job, we are very much involved with the curriculum. It is a very different job.

“When I first started we would work across the school as opposed to in set classrooms.

“You would have groups of readers and make tea and coffee. You did not have the same responsibilities as you do now.

“We would not even go to meetings but now we have our own groups and teach. Teacher’s perspectives of TAs have changed, they respect us much more. We are on the same level.”

The 66-year-old has worked with four different head teachers, around 20 teachers, and more than 1,000 children.

Dot has worked across the school but said her passion has always been the early years, particularly in reception and year one classes.

“It has been an absolute privilege to work for this school, it is an amazing place,” the mum-of-two added.

“I will miss the children the most. I really enjoy working with the children and the staff as well but it is the children that make me love the job.

“Their own children have come through the school and now even grandchildren.

“Lots of the staff here have become my lifelong friends. We have had some really good times. I have worked with so many people and so many talented people.

“It is bittersweet. I am looking forward to it but I am very sad to be leaving.”

When asked what she will be doing now she has retired, Dorothy laughed before replying “Rest” – and going on a few holidays.

Early years lead Natalie Simpson, who has worked with Dorothy for more than 20 years, said: “Dot is a first-class act that is loved by all the staff and children past and present. She means the world to me.

“Completely selfless, she leaves work when the teachers do, always staying behind to help with resources – and she commits herself 110% to the children in her care.

“We love her so much but wish her an amazing retirement.”