Pearson Street in Haggerston, outside Randal Cremer, was closed to traffic last Thursday after school for the jaunt to mark Valerie Figaro’s retirement.

Hackney Gazette: Youngsters skipping outside Randall Cremer schoolYoungsters skipping outside Randall Cremer school (Image: Archant)

Around 200 Hackney primary pupils bid farewell to their head teacher after a decade of hard work with a celebratory play session in the street.

Pearson Street in Haggerston, outside Randal Cremer, was closed to traffic last Thursday after school for the jaunt to mark Valerie Figaro’s retirement.

Parents and staff stewarded the road closure, standing at the barriers and redirecting through-traffic, with support by the not-for-profit organisation Playing Out, which was set up to activate street play in communities across the country.

Hackney was the first London borough to adopt a Play Streets scheme allowing residents and community organisations to apply for a temporary play street order (TPSO) for the purposes of play.

Mrs Figaro said: “As many of the children spend too much time indoors, it is a welcome change to be able to shut the street for a couple of hours so the kids can enjoy playing freely whilst the parents and staff come together too.

“It’s not an easy decision to take early retirement, I love the families and enjoy improving the life chances for the children, their families and the whole community.”