Samantha, childcare provider - EH3 Edinburgh

I am 23 years old and I live in Edinburgh. I have always enjoyed working with children so after I left school I completed an HNC in Early Education and Childcare. In this course I did three placements, one in a nursery and two in a primary school. I have also volunteered as a paired reader at Portobello High School and football coached children, aged 3-8.

I took a break from childcare for a few years but I am very keen to get back into it. At the moment I am volunteering at Harrison Playgroup, this is with children aged 2-3. I am also volunteering in a creche for mothers who are undertaking therapy for post natal depression. This involves looking after children aged 0-3. I am registered with Disclosure Scotland for both of these positions so it can carry forward onto working with any other children.

I relate to children very easily and they seem to warm up to me very quickly. I enjoy playing with them and helping them to have new experiences. I like to make up new activities for them, things that help them to learn as well as being fun.

I have experience with playing with many children's toys as well as inventing new games. I enjoy painting, doing arts and crafts and making play - doh with children as well.

I have most experience with children aged 2-6 so ideally I would like to look after children of that age. However, I am also looking to work with different age groups to increase my own learning experiences. I can work full time, part time or as an occasional baby-sitter. However, after Christmas I will be committed to at least one morning a week, volunteering at Harrison Playgroup. They are very flexible so I can chose the day.

I am learning to be an aerial artist, so I am often swinging on a trapeze or upside down on silk material. Other hobbies of mine include; going to the cinema, watching T.V., caring for my two cats and travelling.