I DIDN’T think I’d see a school playground again – I thought my days of ferrying children to such institutions were over.

But that was before I became a grandparent and now I do my bit to help when I can.

So on Monday morning I was in Penketh to deliver my precious cargo – four-year-old Isabella.

We arrived early at 8.30am which was no bad thing as parking is a bit of a scrum as there are two schools side by side.

Isabella was happy to enjoy the play equipment in the school grounds while we waited for the 8.45am door to open.

But suddenly she seemed terribly vulnerable as we encountered boys!

You forget just how boisterous boys can be – and I should know as I had three of them.

Suddenly my adorable granddaughter, who we’ve cosseted from being a baby, had to cope with youngsters, pushing, shoving and generally being children.

One small pre-school child was about to be trampled underfoot until I steered a bigger boy away from him.

Another child was blocking the entrance to the wendy house so I told him to play nicely.

I had an overwhelming urge to protect Isabella and felt sick at the thought of lunchtime when she would be on her own.

A dead pigeon caused great merriment for the boys with some of them poking it until a mother intercepted.

I told Isabella not to look at it. I said it must have fallen out of a tree – even though its innards were on show and it had clearly been mauled by an animal.

Nature can be pretty horrific when you are only four.

The door opened and the children streamed in. Isabella clung to my hand and wanted me to go in with her.

She took her school bag to the locker and it was time for me to leave her behind.

On the second morning Isabella spotted her new best friend and her whole face lit up.

I chatted to the mum who delivered a hammer blow that they’re moving away and her daughter will leave at half-term.

I was tempted to say forget your husband’s good job down south, you’re going to break my granddaughter’s heart.

But the rational side of me talked about house prices and the upheaval of moving.

The doors opened and it was time to go in. Children started to line up behind their teachers.

Isabella grabbed my hand and asked me to go in with her again. I explained I couldn’t, so placed her in line next to her new BF, kissing her goodbye.

Tears started to well up, her chin wobbled and my heart was crushed.

I waited while they filed in, would she look back? She didn’t, it was time for me to get a grip and get on with the day.