A woman with more than 40 years of childcare experience has said "it's been a privilege" as she retires from Cornwall College’s childcare department.  

Ally Keverne, from Carleen near Helston, started working there on September 1, 1983. During this time she successfully worked her way up to become a qualified practitioner and retired as a study programme manager.

Ally studied childcare between 1976 and 1978. Up to her son Ben beings born in 1983 she worked at Nansloe Nursery in Helston, before receiving a call to say a job had become available at Cornwall College, where she has remained for 40 years.

Falmouth Packet: Ally with her 20 year's service certificate in 1993 Ally with her 20 year's service certificate in 1993 (Image: Cornwall College Facebook)

During her time in the role, Ally has had to face some personal challenges and changes, but she continued to come in to work and support the students.

The grandmother of four has already made plans for her retirement, albeit having "mixed emotions."

Ally said: “Well, I feel mixed emotions about leaving. I enjoyed my job so much, but I will surely settle into retirement.

“My favourite part about the job was seeing the students grow and develop and have gone off into the world to work in childcare. A lot of my students are still working in nurseries.”

Ally also told the Packet: “An interesting story; I looked after and taught one of my student's mums back in the day.”

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Ally is looking forward to the "freedom" she will be able to have now she is retired. She said: “Retirement plans are reading books - lots of books - going on holiday during term time when it's cooler and just enjoying not having to rush, and having more freedom.”

Falmouth Packet: Ally with her family at 'Maisie's Bench' on Tregonning Hill Ally with her family at 'Maisie's Bench' on Tregonning Hill (Image: Keverne family)

“It’s been a privilege to be a part of these young people’s lives, enjoying what they do best. There’s a TV advert that’s shown on TVs around campus, and one of them says ‘Every lesson shapes a life’ and that is something I truly believe in.” 

To celebrate her success, and to say goodbye, a retirement afternoon was held last week at the Camborne campus for past and present students, ex-colleagues, senior managers, family, and friends to come and say goodbye to Ally. She was presented with her 40-year badge and certificate by Rory Mason.

Falmouth Packet: Ally on her last day joined by friends, family, ex-students and staffAlly on her last day joined by friends, family, ex-students and staff (Image: Cornwall College)

Deputy head of the St Austell base of Cornwall College, Laetitia Mayne, said: “Ally is an advocate for being a lecturer.

“She has always put students first; despite personal issues, she still came in to help students to achieve.

“One student has been in the childcare industry for 20 years and hasn’t moved, and she said it's down to Ally.”