Ruby

My Summary

My Experience

1. I have recently started a new role as a forest school assistant. The children’s ages range from 5-8. I do this on Wednesdays and Thursdays after school and am really enjoying this role. I support the children in the activities which often include making art with items such as flowers and grass, playing with them on the equipment such as hammocks and slack lines, as well as engaging in conversations about nature and learning about our surroundings.

2. I looked after three boys for nearly 5 years while I was in high school. One was autistic and non-verbal, and the other two were dyslexic. I was initially brought in to help with homework. Eventually, I was asked to help with general childcare most days after school. I got on very well with the children and really enjoyed this experience. I also attended after-school activities with the child who is autistic, to support his communication and allow more opportunities for him. When I first started working for the family, the children were aged 4, 5 and 6. When I stopped, to go travelling and to university, they were aged 8, 9 and 10. This means I have experience with many different ages of children.

3. I volunteered at a local nursery for a few months while in high school and had a very valuable learning experience. I really enjoyed working with younger children (aged 2-3) and found the work very rewarding.

4. I was involved in a peer-mentoring scheme while in my last year of high school where I tutored and offered support and friendship to a child in his first year of high school. I received very positive feedback for this role from my guidance teacher, who set up the position.

5. I have spent many hours looking after my brother, who is 7 years younger than me, as our mum is a single parent and had to work. This helped me grow confident in looking after children of many different ages, as I had new experiences as he grew up.

6. I have also provided childcare for my cousin when her mum went back to work, this was between the ages of 6-24 months so I have plenty of experience caring for babies and toddlers. My responsibilities included feeding, bathing, changing nappies, playing, etc.

My Qualifications

I am currently in the process of applying for an MA in Early Childhood Education at QMU. Also, I am signing up for a paediatric first aid course so will have that soon. I also have a PVG which I got for my current job, however as I didn’t share it in time it has now expired but I am getting a new one next week so will update when that has been approved. I also have a BA in history from the University of Leeds.

My Availability

I am free anytime Friday to Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday I work 3:30-5:30 as a forest school assistant.

My Fees

• Babysitting from £12.71 per hour
• Nannying from £12.71 per hour (gross)

I have set my fees as the national minimum wage in Scotland.