- 16, January 2025
I am 28 years old, and I hold a degree in Early Childhood Studies from the University of Roehampton. I also hold an Extended Diploma in Early Childhood which included 400 hours of placement in four different settings, with children aged 0-8 years. Prior to, and after graduating, I have been employed as a full-time nanny for an 8-week-old in Canary Wharf, a pre-school assistant, and many other temporary nanny positions and regular babysitting work. Most recently I have been working as a practitioner at a District Specialist Centre for children with additional needs. Some of my other work has included being a Document Specialist for a Healthcare Informatics company, and an employee with a hospitality company.
I've always naturally known I wanted to focus more on the care of newborns, and I have through my work felt reward for the care that goes into supporting a family too. I have become increasingly aware of the importance of holistic care in the first weeks and months of newborns' lives, and going forward I am keen to share my knowledge to support families.
Education
(3 year degree, all theoretical and essay based studies)
(400 hours of placement, practical observations and theoretical study and lectures, essay-based work. Placements : Chafyn Grove School private co-educational day and boarding preparatory school, Whiteparish Primary School, Busy Bees nursery and Toybox nursery).
Experience
Battersea Square, London.
This role was live out, part-time, sole-charge with one premature baby who was 6 months when the role commenced.
All nanny duties were required in this role. I also organised inventories to assist my employer in her job.
I've been working at a charity-run setting and South Wiltshire’s only specialist nursery for children with difficulties and disabilities. The children have a range of difficulties associated with autistic spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, communication difficulties, genetic disorders and sensory impairments.
The importance of this work is providing an environment that makes each child feel safe, secure and understood. I've also helped at charity coffee mornings which are run to raise money for the setting.
- Regular babysitting
Salisbury (May 2023 - present)
During this period of time I've had a consistent babysitting job (daytime and evening work) for a family where both parents work in the medical sector and have needed flexible cover for their two children aged 3 and 6.
- House-sitting and dog-sitting
Salisbury (March 2023 - August 2023)
I've completed a number of different dog-sitting and house-sitting jobs for families who have been away, which involved staying at the house for extended periods of time.
- Receptionist
Front desk receptionist (short temporary placement) at a car dealership.
Minor Medical procedure and recovery (April 2024 - August 2024)
Travel break - (August 2024)
Canary Wharf, London
This role was live-out and full-time (7am - 5pm, 5 days a week), and I had sole charge of one child (from aged 2 months to 18 months). This involved:
- Creating a menu for the week, organising the baby's weaning schedule and cooking three healthy meals from scratch everyday as she progressed.
- Sleep training: I worked alongside a night nanny and I had to assist the family with their sleep training preferences throughout the role.
- Organising and attending classes (Music, Art, Sensory, Soft Play, Farm visits) with the baby once or sometimes twice daily throughout the employment. I would add these classes to a calendar on my work phone with the times and location, and any playdates or appointments the baby also had.
- Work travel - Canary Islands, Greece and Meribel: I would assist with organising packing for the baby, fly with the family, and organise activities while there.
- I worked closely with the mother and provided progress updates throughout the day.
As a Documents Specialist I was working very closely with the NHS. I had to communicate with clients via
email, Teams calls and phone calls. Communicating with GPs, nurses and practice managers, and larger groups, Primary Care Networks, and Clinical Commissioning Groups. I learned how to use a unique clinical computer system.
I worked on the Ardens Manager team for a short period of time but mainly worked closely with the Documents Specialist lead and covered for her when she was away. This meant monitoring and coordinating the whole documents team, and liaising and communicating with the document administrators for the company.
I completed a number of one off day-time and evening babysits across London, while studying at University and alongside a nanny role after university. These were with families with up to 3 children (ages 6 months - 7 years).
I completed a couple of longer term regular babysitting roles too including a three month part-time job with a baby (7 months) in Richmond, and a seven month, part-time role with a baby (6 months), in Putney.
Putney, London.
I was working at high-profile events across central London and outside, working with clients and other staff members to set up, serve and break down weddings, receptions, press days, and conferences.
I became a team lead for the last few months working in this role. This was part time work during university.