Alex

My Requirements

We are a warm, friendly family in Chigwell seeking a calm, patient, and experienced childcare provider to help us a few hours a week.
The Role:
We are looking for part-time support for our 4-year-old son, Marcus, on a regular basis. The primary goal is to provide him with focused one-on-one attention in our home, allowing his primary caregiver (Mum) to have dedicated time for rest and self-care.
Hours:
* 2-3 half days per week. Flexible about when.
* Approx. 12 hours per week in total.
* We are flexible on the exact days and times for the right person.
About Our Son:
Our son is a bright, imaginative, and engaging little boy who loves role-playing games, and learning in a fun way.
He is also a highly sensitive and anxious child and can find the world overwhelming. When he feels anxious or uncertain, he can become oppositional or use avoidance strategies, which can look like being demanding or shutting down.
The Great News:
He thrives on one-on-one attention and connection! Once he trusts you and feels safe and engaged, he is a joyful, energetic, and cooperative companion. He simply needs a caregiver who can focus on him and be flexible in their approach.
What We Are Looking For in a Caregiver:
* Calm and Patient Demeanour: Someone who understands that avoidance is a sign of anxiety, not defiance.
* Highly Flexible Approach: You should be comfortable going with the flow, using humour, and allowing him to feel a sense of control over his activities (e.g., phrasing a request as "Would you like to put your socks on, or wear your slippers first?").
* Engaging and Creative: A provider who can get down on his level, play imaginatively, and use his special interests as a way to connect and navigate the time.
* Experience (A Plus): Prior experience with highly anxious children or those who need a gentle, relationship-based approach is a definite bonus.
Duties Include:
* Engaging in play (indoors and outdoors).
* Supervising creative activities.
* Reading stories.
* Preparing simple snacks.
* Occasionally managing very small, non-essential requests (e.g., tidying a few toys, handwashing).
We are looking for a true partner who can see our son's lovely personality shine through his anxiety. If you are a wonderfully patient person who values connection and creative problem-solving over rigid structure, we would love to hear from you!
Please include a bit about your experience and why this role appeals to you when you apply. Thank you!