WHEN Edward Stanley arrived at Ravensdale Junior School he only intended to stay for five or six years.

But, more than three decades later, he said that his time as a teacher at the Derbyshire school has "just flown".

Now the 56-year-old has finally decided to leave and take early retirement, with plans to travel to New Zealand and Australia.

He said: "When I first started out, I had thoughts of becoming a deputy head or head teacher but I soon realised I enjoyed working with children too much and didn't want to give up the classroom.

Mr Stanley always wanted to be a teacher from a young age and undertook his first teaching post in Tamworth, where he stayed for about four years.

"There wasn't much hope of promotion at the school, because it was so tiny with very few staff, so I looked to move on," said Mr Stanley, 56.

"I applied to Ravensdale and the rest, as they say, is history.

"I have had 31 wonderful years here and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

"I thought I would only be here for five or six years and then move on but somehow the years have just flown."

Mr Stanley, who originates from Kent, is now finding himself teaching the children of pupils he used to teach more than 20 years ago.

During his time as a teacher at the Mickleover school, he has worked under four head teachers.

He said: "The main changes have been in the way schools are run and the things we are asked to do.

"The introduction of the National Curriculum changed teaching and teachers were no longer able to be as flexible in what they taught as before.

"Also the introduction of SATs tests for 11-year-olds also made a big difference.

"I was in charge of organising the tests for 16 years and I would say it is only one way of measuring children's performance but there are others."

Mr Stanley was also actively involved in arts, crafts and drama events in the school.

Over the past week, he has taken part in a number of farewell events, including an assembly where a specially-written song for him was performed by the choir.

"I was very touched by the fact everyone had gone to so much trouble and it nearly bought a tear to my eye," he said. "I think I am fine about retiring but only time will tell and hopefully I will come back to the school to visit every now and again."

Mr Stanley, who is married with two sons, intends to do some decorating and go to France to see his brother, as well as New Zealand and Australia.

Head Paula Martin said: "Mr Stanley will be missed by everyone and has been a much-loved member of staff."