Eliza

About Me

Please note: I'm fully booked for regular weekday work, but feel free to contact me, and I can add you to my waitlist. I am available for ad hoc childcare opportunities.

Hi, I’m Eliza (she/her). I’m 34 and grew up in Surrey before moving to Totnes in 2020, where I’ve built strong connections with lovely local families through my childcare work.

I’m a qualified childcare professional with a Level 3 Early Years qualification and Ofsted nanny registration. Families can pay for my services through Universal Credit or Tax-Free Childcare.

I’m also a Level 3 qualified Forest School Facilitator with paediatric and outdoor first aid training. Additionally, I hold Level 2 qualifications in ‘Introduction to SEND’ and ‘Understanding SEND and Learning’.

I update my safeguarding training annually to ensure I am always up-to-date with best practices.

My work:

I split my time between:

+ Running Forest School sessions (Huddle Puddle) for children aged 3-8
+ Providing nanny shares
+ Working with Sustainable Families Devon, running two woodland-based groups at Buckland-in-the-Moor: Nurture in Nature (ages 0-4) and Growing Families (ages 3+)

I also have lots of babysitting experience, including first-time, one-off, and weekend bookings. I frequently provide childcare for families visiting Devon on holiday or for weddings, ensuring a smooth and reassuring experience for both parents and children.

I have also worked extensively with children and young adults with SEN, having previously been a learning support assistant, one-to-one job coach, and playworker for the Challengers charity.

I hold a full driving licence, have my own car, and carry nanny and bushcraft instructor insurance.

My approach:

I practise the Hand in Hand Parenting approach, which focuses on:
+ Listening to children with warmth and empathy
+ Setting fair limits while holding space for emotions
+ Responding playfully to support connection and understanding

I have completed a ‘Professionals Intensive in Hand in Hand Parenting’ course designed for childcare professionals.

My childcare approach is also guided by Forest School principles, fostering holistic development, resilience, and a child-led experience where natural curiosity and interests can thrive.

I have an enhanced DBS certificate on the update service.

What I offer young people:

+ Safety, security, and comfort
+ My full attention – tuning into their present moment experience
+ Acceptance, understanding – embracing them for who they are
+ Patience, empathy, compassion
+ Positive role modelling – demonstrating kindness, respect, and emotional regulation
+ Space to explore – encouraging curiosity, creativity, and independence in a safe and supportive environment
+ Unconditional acceptance – celebrating their individuality and unique way of experiencing the world
+ Neutral observation during peer conflict – listening to all perspectives, validating feelings, and guiding them toward resolution and supporting repair with empathy

About me (meet me to find out more!)

+ Calm, grounded, and adaptable – present and responsive to each moment
Friendly, approachable, and playful – creating a warm, engaging atmosphere
+ Compassionate and attentive – listening deeply and holding space for others
+ Considerate and empathetic – mindful of the feelings and needs of those around me
+ Open-minded and accepting – embracing people as they are, without judgment