Amy

My Summary

My Experience

did a placement on the kids cancer unit at Bristol hospital for my placement year, and gained a rich experience of caring for children. I currently work on kids team at Church in Penrith, where I am in charge of up to 15 children and must arrange a weekly game and key message, as well as ensure the children have snacks and are enjoying themselves, of course. I also have experience of running kids camps, and I have previously looked after up to 20 children between myself and another adult. I was in charge of setting up outdoor assault courses, various arts and crafts activities and singing songs in the band. These days were long and intense, lasting from 7am until 5pm, involving set up and set down of the venue. In addition, I have cared for my little brother each summer since the age of 16. I would take him to the park, swimming, to indoor soft-play areas and to the cinema.

I presently care for a pair of 3 year old twin boys in Penrith most Saturdays for 6 hours. I take this lovely pair to the local outdoor and indoor play areas, out on their bikes and to local events such as craft fairs. We tend to take picnics to the local park on sunny days, and I am comfortable using their double buggy for nearby outings such as this. For further-afield activities, I am able to drive them to these places as I have Isofix points in my car which I can clip their car seats in to.

I have been caring for these twins as they have been transitioning out of nappies. This has been a valuable experience for me with regards to seeing just how vital it is to continually encourage those children who are making this difficult transition. They are both now out of nappies, and I am able manage any accidents well. I am truly sad when I have a weekend not looking after this pair; I really adore watching them grow and ensuring their Saturdays and fun-filled.

I also care for a 14 year old boy with learning disabilities in the Penrith area on an ad-hoc basis. I have worked hard to build a relationship with him founded on trust, so that he knows he can communicate with me when he is in need, and that I want to keep him safe and content. I have had to be incredibly attentive to the situations that distress him and instigate techniques to calm him should become panicked. To do this, I have invested in his interests, namely Comics, LEGO and story telling, and in times of upset I am now well-acquainted with the activities that can ground him again. I have also introduced new activities in to his time with me. For example, we have jointly made pancakes and attended local youth clubs. It has been a privilege to watch him engage in new activities, and I look forward to seeing him continue to excel.

Taken together, I believe that my experience within a professional healthcare setting overseeing a large number of children, along with my experience at church, my history of caring for my brother and my present work with local families prepare me well for babysitting/nannying across a variety of settings. I endeavour to go above and beyond to ensure children are happy and engaged during their time with me. I am also mobile, having a 5 seater car and no points on my license.

My Qualifications

I have 7 A*'s and 3 A's at GCSE, 3 A*'s and 1A at A level, and gained a 2:1 in my undergraduate degree in Psychology BSc (Hons).

My Availability

I am available every day of the week at all times bar alternate Wednesdays from 7.30pm, and Sunday from 3.30pm. I am happy to be flexible around these time and move other commitments where possible.

My Fees

• Babysitting from £15.00 per hour
• Nannying from £19.00 per hour (gross)