Charlotte

My Summary

Part-Time Nanny/Support Worker

My Experience

I have been employed as a Full-Time Nanny for the last year months and I can honestly say, there is no other job I find as fulfilling. Since starting this journey, I have worked with 3 very different families and enjoyed every minute of getting to know the children and watching them as they develop and navigate this busy world.

I began as an afterschool Nanny for three boys aged 3-7 years, picking them up from school and travelling back via public transport, trying to keep all three entertained on the long journey by reading books aloud and playing 'I Spy'. Once home, they would take in turns to pick something from the 'Activity Jar' I'd prepared for them to do while I made dinner. I'd assist with homework and play games throughout the evening until bathtime. When they were ready for bed, they would pick out books they'd like me to read to them before going to sleep. I was involved in arranging playdates, doctors appointments and taking them to children's parties. I would provide extra support with babysitting and staying at home during 'sick days' and during school holidays.

I currently work with a busy family of four with children aged 6 and 8 years old. Both of which attend different schools and have busy schedules with after school activities and hobbies. A typical day consists of arriving early in the morning to prepare them for the day ahead, making breakfast, ensuring they have everything they need in the backpacks (snacks, drinks, homework and p.e kits) before doing the school drop off. I return to the family home in the afternoon to prepare healthy afterschool snacks, do laundry and prepare dinner. In this time, I check to make sure they have uniform for the days ahead, wash bed clothes and generally tidy common areas for the children. After picking them up from school, we return home and I sit with the children to help with homework and afterwards, engage in activities they enjoy (pottery, colouring, card games) to allow them to decompress until it's time to have dinner. I bathe both children separately every day, wash their hair and sit with them while they brush and floss their teeth, as well as brushing and flossing again for them afterwards. Then it's time to get into bed for reading/storytime until lights out. On occasion, I stay late for babysitting duties and finish any light housework that's left while the children sleep.

I have been working with a home-ed family twice a week for twins (9 years old) who are AuADHD with PDA profile. This regular help has been alongside the parents as we work together as a team to provide a safe and calming environment for the them. I provide help by preparing meals/snacks, accompanying on days out (museums, nature walks, horse riding) and engaging in activites they enjoy like baking, puzzles or dog training.

Prior to becoming a Nanny, I volunteered as a Teaching Assistant in Year 5 science lessons for pupils who showed an aptitude in Biology and Chemistry. I would float around a class of 30 and engage with the pupils with any questions they had. It was great ustilising my passion for science and helping the children understand complex theories.

I have been babysitting for friends and family since my teen years. This was for children ranging from 6 months - 12 years old, and involved overseeing activities like games, arts and crafts or simply watching TV, putting the children to bed after completing their nighttime routine and generally keeping them out of trouble.

Outside of this, my main experience of looking after children in a home setting was having the privilege of regularly helping my younger cousins J (M, 9 years old) and F (F, 6 years old) when needed. During this time, I've been involved in babysitting in the evenings while their parents went out, minding them during school holidays and the odd sleepover (when the kids have requested it!). This ranged from anywhere between 4-24 hours at a time and up to two times a week. We would bake cupcakes, play Mario Party (a game I introduced them to), make bracelets and plan what we would do on my next visit. I would help them with homework, support them with their bedtime routines and support them with getting ready for school if I was around at that time. I have taken them to gymnastics and parkour classes at the leisure centre in town on weekends. When I introduced them to my dog, Marney, J was thrilled and regularly takes her for walks with me in the local park. F is very wary around dogs and doesn't like it when they get too close, but she accompanies us on our walks with a little encouragement and helps to find sticks for me to throw for Marney. I have cooked fresh meals for them both. F is not a fussy eater but tends not to eat large amounts of food, so it is important that I kept an eye on her eating habits and encouraged her to finish the meal. Whereas J would much prefer to eat crisps and chocolate instead of a full balanced meal. This meant I had to develop keen negotiating skills to get him to eat the meals I had prepared and not fill up on snacks! I have recently been teaching J how to play chess. He struggles with concentration and tends to fidget a lot but introducing fidget toys and engaging him to play a stimulating game has shown him that he is capable of doing this.

My Qualifications

BSc Hons Biomedical Science
Emergency Paediatric First Aid
Clear Enhanced DBS Check

My Availability

I am looking to provide care over 3/4 long days but can be flexibile for the right family.

My Fees

• Nannying from £17.00 per hour (net)
• Babysitting from £15.00 per hour

For full days, I am open to reducing the fee.