A nursery manager has been praised for her selflessness through the pandemic and everyday life challenges.

Clare Johnson, 42, has worked her socks off since the start of the pandemic back in March 2020 caring for nursery children and babies at Ramsden Robins Pre-nursery.

Manager of the Barrow nursery, Clare and her team stayed open during the pandemic to help front line workers with child care.

Mum of two Clare said: “We never shut at all. We were one of the only nurseries in Barrow that didn’t shut, we were turned into a hub nursery.

“It was quite scary as it was at the height of the pandemic and people didn’t know much about it so were panicking.

“Obviously I run the nursery but I couldn’t do it without my staff who are absolutely amazing.”

Feeling really proud of herself and her team, Clare said: “I felt really proud because we were still offering that service to the community and key workers and without us a lot of people wouldn’t be able to go to work that needed childcare.”

Despite most children and teachers finishing work for the six-week summer holidays, Clare will still be working as hard as ever in the baby room at Ramsden Robins providing care for the babies at the nursery who need it.

She said: “We are still open all year around with the babies in now – we opened the baby room in the middle of the pandemic as well. It’s been challenging but the baby room is full now which is nice and to see how their developing.

“I am ready for a break, even if it’s just a little one, just to recharge my batteries as it’s just been really really crazy for more than a year now.”

Described by close friends and family as selfless and an inspiration, her 22-year-old daughter Olivia Pattinson said: “I’m so grateful to call her my mum because she’s one of the most selfless and loyal people I know.

“She inspires me to be the best version of myself every day.”

Touched by these words Clare said: “I don’t think that I do anything other than my job.

“It’s really lovely to hear this, I just want the best environment for the staff and children.”