Lou

My Summary

Forest School Trained Childcare Provider

My Experience

I have been providing childcare since I was around 15, and caring for children has always come very naturally to me. I have a warm, maternal approach and genuinely love getting to know children as individuals, supporting their development and making sure they feel safe, happy and valued.

A particularly special part of my experience has been being closely involved in the upbringing of my nephew, who is now five. I have cherished being part of his life and have experienced all the wonderful — and sometimes challenging! — moments that come with caring for and supporting a young child.

I have also provided holiday nannying for a local family, supporting a mother with childcare while they stayed at their holiday home in Suffolk. This included caring independently for both a seven-year-old and a two-year-old. My responsibilities included organising afternoon activities, preparing meals, cooking and dining, arts and crafts, outdoor play, games, light household tasks, as well as bath and bedtime routines. I really enjoyed creating a balance of fun, creative activities and calm routines tailored to the children's needs.

Most recently, I have worked as a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner, with the past three years spent working across a range of Forest School provisions in the South West. I have experience working with children from toddlers aged 2–5 through to primary-aged children up to 11. My work has included delivering outdoor learning and engagement within both traditional school settings and more alternative provisions, using woodlands and outdoor spaces to encourage curiosity, confidence, creativity and independence.

Throughout my career, I have also supported children and young people with disabilities, impairments and neurodivergence. This is an area of my work that I particularly value. As someone who is neurodivergent myself, I understand the importance of recognising that every child experiences and interacts with the world differently. I aim to create an environment where children feel understood, respected and able to be themselves.

I also have experience supporting young people with chronic health conditions and accessibility needs, including wheelchair users. I am confident adapting activities and environments to ensure that children can participate fully and enjoy themselves, regardless of their individual needs.

Overall, I bring a combination of hands-on childcare experience, professional experience working with children, and a genuine passion for helping young people feel safe, supported and empowered. I understand that every family and every child is different, and I would always take the time to understand your routines, expectations and what makes your child feel most comfortable.

My Qualifications

I hold an up-to-date Enhanced DBS and First Aid certificate, alongside a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner qualification and a range of nature-based wellbeing qualifications.

I also have a diploma in Social Care and a Counselling qualification, which have given me a strong foundation in understanding wellbeing, communication, emotional needs and individual differences.

Alongside my childcare experience, I have a wider professional background in nature-based work, outdoor engagement and wellbeing. I’m very happy to share further details of this upon request.

Always happy to provide references upon request from the families and groups i have supported.

My Availability

At the moment my schedule is very flexible. I would like to have a regular schedule set up with a family but can also be available for the odd overnight and or evening childcare.

My Fees

• Babysitting from £16.00 per hour

My standard rate is £16 per hour, with a 2-hour minimum for bookings. I’m happy to be flexible where possible, but shorter sessions may be subject to a minimum charge to account for travel and preparation time. I’m always happy to discuss individual arrangements with families.