Eliza

About Me

Hello :) I'm Eliza. I'm 36 and originally from Surrey. I moved to Totnes in 2020, where I've made lovely connections with local families through my childcare work.

I love the outdoors, exploring, being playful, trying new things and being creative. I love giving children the space to feel safe, connected and free to be themselves, and I feel very lucky that I get to spend my working hours playing, connecting with people, exploring outdoors, being silly, following the giggles and enjoying simple, slow moments together.

I'm a qualified childcare professional with a Level 3 Early Years qualification. I have Ofsted nanny registration, so families can pay for my services through Universal Credit or Tax-Free Childcare.

I'm also a Level 3 qualified Forest School Facilitator, with paediatric and outdoor first aid training. I have additional Level 2 qualifications in Introduction to SEND and Understanding SEND and Learning.

*What I do*

I split my time between a few different things:

Nannying - Looking after children for one family at a time, or bringing two families together for a nanny share. I've nannied children of all ages, from newborns to teens.

Forest School - I run Huddle Puddle, a Forest School club for children aged 6–10, where we spend time outdoors exploring, playing, making things and enjoying all that each season has to offer.

Sustainable Families Devon - I help run two woodland-based groups at Buckland-in-the-Moor: Nurture in Nature (ages 0-3) and Growing Families (ages 3+).

I also have lots of babysitting experience, from one-off and first-time bookings to regular evenings and weekends, including looking after children for families visiting Devon on holiday and for weddings.

I've worked with children and young adults with additional needs (SEN) for many years, including as a learning support assistant, one-to-one job coach and playworker for Challengers charity.

*How I like to work with children*

My approach is all about connection, playfulness and meeting people where they are.

I practise Hand in Hand Parenting, which has had a big influence on how I relate to and interact with people of all ages. The approach is all about listening, building connection and making space for feelings, while holding consistent, loving limits.

Some of the things that are important to me are:

+ Meeting people exactly where they are and welcoming their present moment experience
+ Being alongside them through the tricky moments, listening with warmth and empathy
+ Making room for silliness, laughter and playful connection
+ Helping people work through disagreements, listening to everyone's perspective and supporting them to find a way forward
+ Giving people the freedom to explore, make their own discoveries and develop confidence in their own abilities

I've completed the Hand in Hand Parenting Professionals Intensive, which is specifically designed for people working with children.

My approach is also influenced by Forest School principles. I love giving children the time and space to follow their own interests, take manageable risks, get stuck into things and discover what they're capable of.

*What you can expect from me*

I hope children experience me as someone they can feel comfortable and relaxed around - a calm, grounded presence who will get involved in their games, listen to their ideas, be a bit silly, encourage their adventures and also be there for the quieter moments and bigger feelings.

I'm friendly, approachable, and enjoy getting to know people. I'm adaptable and happy to go with the flow, tuning into what's needed in the moment and embracing whatever the day brings.

I love spending time in nature, exploring new places, being creative and finding joy in the little things. I'm open-minded and accepting, and really value kindness, connection and being able to show up as ourselves.

I aim to offer:
+ A safe, caring and comfortable environment.
+ Attention, patience and understanding.
+ Encouragement to explore, be creative and try new things.
+ Space to develop independence and follow their own interests.
+ Support through friendship wobbles, disagreements and the ups and downs of growing up.

A few practical bits
+ Enhanced DBS certificate on the update service.
+ Full driving licence and my own car.
+ Nanny and bushcraft instructor insurance.
+ Registered for Tax-Free Childcare and eligible for Universal Credit childcare payments.