Abbey

My Summary

My Experience

I have a nephew with ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), ADHD and Autism who I have helped care for since birth. After giving birth my sister suffered with a postpartum infection that made it hard for her to get up. At the time I was just starting my GCSE's and was on study leave and so with my free time I would wake up during the nights and early mornings with my nephew to feed him, change his nappies, deal with spit up, bath him and entertain him while my sister rested and recovered. He is 9 now and I have often taken care of him for days at a time, sometimes including school pick up and drop off during term time, and take him on fun days out going bowling, watching a movie in the cinema, swimming or even to the park.

I have previously regularly spent several weeks in Kent helping my aunt and uncle care for their 2 children, from new-born up until the oldest was 10, as their parents worked long hours and sometimes wouldn't be home during the day. I would get the kids up for school, make breakfast, take them to school and clean up after their morning play. I would start dinner before they finished school for the day and have it ready before pick up time so that they had a fresh meal ready for them. Often I would be picking up the children's friends also as their parents wouldn't get off work until later in the day. On the weekends during those weeks the kids and I would go out to the park if the weather was good enough, or sometimes stay at home and play games, bake or just have a nice day where we cuddled and spent quality time together. I'd also help the kids with their homework and encourage them to read, which they very much enjoyed doing. With the permission of the parents I would also allow the kids to help me cook with age appropriate tasks, such as mixing in a bowl or cracking eggs. The children absolutely loved the time I would spend with them, and learned a lot about cooking in general during this time. I also have ample experience with potty training.

Recently I have been looking after my friends 2 kids, one with GDD (Global Developmental Delay) aged 1 and 2 when I met them, they are now 2 and 3. I have watched after the kids on my own several times, as well as with the parent's around helping them out when they need it, such as changing nappies, preparing the kids meals, putting them to bed, reading to them, and playing with them.

I also had a neighbour who, when I was in college, would call me and ask if I would pick up her children when she was unable to and to look after them until either she or their father got home, the kids were 5, 10 and 12 at the time.

I have always really enjoyed spending time with kids, even when I was one myself, I love being able to care for them, help them to grow and let them flourish into the wonderful little people they will become.

My Qualifications

Level 3 NVQ in Professional Cookery
Level 2 Food Safety Certificate
Some training in childcare

My Availability

I live with my partner, and he works Mondays-Fridays, we usually spend Friday evenings and Saturdays together, so my weekend availability is less than I would have had for during the week. Other than those days I am very flexible with my hours.

My Fees

• Babysitting from £16.00 per hour
• Nannying from £22.00 per hour (gross)

I have been child minding since I was 12 years old, I have 13 years of experience much of which where I have taken care of the kids overnight, sometimes for weeks at a time, and done school runs, pick ups, meals, bath time, bed time, homework help and emotional support when needed.
I am also a trained chef and would be able to provide your kids with nutritious meals that are catered to their preferences and any dietary requirements they may have.
I also have 9 years of experience with children with special needs.