A CHILDCARE worker who has been teaching and caring for youngsters across Clydebank for more than four decades is sad to be leaving the job she adores.

Patricia Goodfellow has worked with West Dunbartonshire Council for the last 43 years and, despite retiring, she is hoping start a new chapter as a children’s author.

The 61-year-old, from Dalmuir, started her career when she was just 16-years-old and she has worked in Clydebank and Alexandria, including at Cochno Children’s Home, St Eunan’s Primary and Jamestown Early Education Centre.

For the past eight years, Patricia has been the manager at Whitecrook Early Learning and Childcare Centre.

Patricia told the Post: “I was brought up in Whitecrook until I was seven, so it was like coming home in a way when I first came back.

“The area will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s a wonderful community, it’s very close and everyone looks after each other. The nursery is the heart of the community.”

The nursery teacher spent her last day on Friday, January 31, surrounded by colleagues and toddlers who attend the centre.

Patricia added: “I have mixed emotions. I’m really sad to be leaving the job I have loved so much. You couldn’t get a better job than working with children.

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“You have got to be very passionate about the job and I have always been passionate about working with children. I always want the best for them – they are the adults of the future.

“If we can provide the best education and care for these children they will grow into really confident adults.

“I have met some wonderful people over the years, and it helps being a small council, everyone can support each other.”

But, Patricia won’t have much time to put her feet up as she is now set to start looking after her granddaughter.

The nursery teacher is also hoping to write a children’s book and she will be returning to college to learn how to become an author.

She also has some holidays lined up, including a cruise with partner Scott.

Samantha Sutherland, lead practitioner at Whitecrook ELCC, said: "Patricia is a fabulous, kind-hearted line manager, who has a nurturing nature towards her staff and children.

“Patricia has been a great asset. Her knowledge, energy and ability to provide guidance and care to staff and children will be missed.

“All staff, parents and carers would like to extend their well wishes to Patricia, we hope she has a happy and healthy retirement.”