There is a shortage of lollipop men and women in Nottinghamshire leaving schools in the area without much needed crossing patrols.
Nottinghamshire County Council, along with Nottingham City Council, has more than 30 vacancies for crossing staff across the county, and both authorities are now pleading with people to step forward and wield the famous sign.
In support of the councils’ appeal, Notts TV News went out on the streets with one of the county’s leading lollipop women, to find out what the job is all about.
“It’s such a lovely job,” said Maria Mills, who has been a lollipop lady for 3 years.
Maria is a lollipop lady for Haddon Primary School in Carlton. She said there is nothing more satisfying than being a lollipop lady.
Despite this, Maria is concerned about the lack of lollipop workers across the county and struggled to understand why no-one would want to fulfil such a heart-warming job.
My morning with Maria.
To see what lollipopping is all about, I spent a morning with veteran lollipop lady Maria to find out more.
Maria strolls on down to Haddon Primary School at precisely 8am.
The kids come flooding at about 8:15. But Maria loves it! She constantly has a smile on her face and always asks parents and children how they are.
Half an hour later the surge of pupils dies down and Maria folds up the famous stick and goes back home for a much needed cup of tea.
She’s back again 3.15 for going home time and another welcoming bunch of happy faces.
If you are interested in joining Maria as a lollipop man or woman then visit the County council website and search ‘school crossing patrol,’ and fill out an application. Or call: 0115 977 4373
