Gina Stokes, one of Brunswick Park’s Teaching Assistants, died of cancer on Sunday 11 February. Gina began working at the school in 2009, first as a midday meals supervisor, then supporting children with autism in the Resource Base, and more recently she worked with the EYFS Team in the Nursery and Reception classes.

Children of this age learn through play, and Gina loved playing with young children, encouraging them to follow and develop their interests. She also loved art and craft, and ran our board games and craft clubs.

She had 6 children of her own - all grown up now - 3 of whom were pupils at Brunswick Park. This meant she experienced the school both as a parent and an employee, so over time became well known by the whole school community. Working at Brunswick Park was important to her; she arrived earlier and stayed later than she needed to, volunteered to help and spent her own time searching for resources she thought the children would enjoy.

Gina loved being creative and making things, and if that creativity involved role play, so much the better.

We would like to remember her in this way, playing creatively with the children outside, with the installation of new water play equipment and a mud kitchen in the Nursery.

The equipment and installation will cost £2000. We appreciate your support to reach this target.