Maisy

My Summary

My Experience

For three months, I lived and worked at Camp Wingate Kirkland in the USA as a Drama and General Counsellor, caring for children in a residential camp environment. This was an incredibly hands-on childcare experience, as I lived alongside the children and was responsible for supporting them throughout their daily lives for the entire duration of their stay.
My role involved much more than simply supervising activities. I was there for the children from morning until bedtime, supporting them through their daily routines, mealtimes, activities, free time and evening routines. I helped them settle into camp, supported them when they were missing home, listened to their worries, encouraged them when they were struggling and celebrated their achievements with them. In many ways, I became a consistent parental figure and trusted adult for the children during their three months away from home.

Because I lived with the children continuously, I got to know them extremely well — their individual personalities, interests, strengths, challenges and what made each of them feel happy and comfortable. I built incredibly strong bonds with many of the children and became someone they could come to when they needed support, reassurance, advice or simply someone to talk to.

I was responsible for creating a safe, positive and supportive environment while encouraging children to become more independent and confident. I managed behaviour positively, helped resolve disagreements, supported friendships and encouraged children to try new things and step outside their comfort zones. I also had responsibility for safeguarding and children's safety throughout the day and night.

Alongside the general childcare responsibilities, I planned and led drama, creative and recreational activities, using my performing arts background to keep children engaged and encourage creativity and self-expression. I also wrote weekly reports for parents, communicating how children were settling in, what they had been enjoying and how they were progressing.

This experience taught me a huge amount about childcare and gave me a genuine understanding of what it means to be a consistent, caring and dependable person in a child's life. It strengthened my patience, communication, responsibility and ability to understand and respond to individual children's needs.

I have also gained experience working with children through breakfast and after-school clubs, where I led activities for up to 40 primary-aged children. I have assisted with drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4–18 at Stagecoach Performing Arts, helping children develop their confidence and creativity.

I have also completed school and nursery placements, including experience supporting children with additional needs. These experiences have given me a good understanding of different ages, personalities and individual needs, and have strengthened my passion for pursuing a career in childcare.

My Qualifications

I hold a range of qualifications and training relevant to childcare, safeguarding and children's wellbeing, including:
First Aid
Lifeguarding
Safeguarding & Child Welfare
Mental Health Awareness
Food Safety
Fully DBS checked

My Availability

I have full availability and am flexible with the days and hours I can work. I am happy to discuss regular or occasional childcare and can be flexible around the needs and routine of your family.
I am available for mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends, and I am happy to discuss longer hours or additional childcare when needed. I am reliable and punctual and will always do my best to accommodate your family's schedule.

My Fees

• Babysitting from £12.00 per hour
• Nannying from £12.00 per hour (gross)