Lyn, childcare provider in Dufftown AB55

Dear Family,

Hello, my name is Lyn. I am a 38 year-old (female). I currently live in Moscow but I really live in a small Scottish called Dufftown, and come from the nearby city of Elgin, this is a very historical part of Scotland and very pretty. I have a 17 year old son, Liam, who is at college and living his own life, he is a very nice boy and I am very proud of him. I have one brother, a niece and a nephew as well as a number of cousins, aunts and uncles. My parents are both retired.

After working very hard here in Scotland for a number of years, to gain my qualifications in Health and Social Care, and Psychology, as well as working full time and raising my son, I decided to take some time out to travel. I spent last summer travelling around America for 3 months and then spent a month in Georgia, Eastern Europe, where I intended to teach English in one of the village schools however when I got there I was told my contract wouldn’t start until January 2014, which was very disappointing. On returning to Scotland I worked as a live in nanny for a local family with a 7 year old boy who has ASD as well as returning to the local hospital to help out when they were short staffed. For 6 months I nannied in Moscow Russia. I am currently a nanny on the tropical island of Bermuda.
My first language is English, I have a light Scottish accent, I speak clear and good English. I can tell you some traditional Scottish words though, I have a basic knowledge of French and now a very basic grasp of Russian. I have been undertaking an online TEFL course and I would be very happy to tutor for a family alongside caring for their children.

When it comes to child care experience, apart from bringing up my own child independently and looking after family and friend’s children, I have looked after children in both formal and informal contexts. I worked for 7 years in a residential children’s home where we cared for children from 0-18 years sometimes for short periods but mostly we had children stay with us for up to 5 years in a proxy parenting role, in which time we became very close and I am still in contact with them now that they are grown up and have their own lives which is very nice.
My main responsibilities were taking care of their day to day needs, school, meals, laundry, well-being, appointments – doctors, dentist, plus homework, cleaning their rooms and the house. We also had a lot of fun, taking part in recreational indoor and outdoor activities: we sang, danced, played games, drew, painted, and arts/crafts. We also organised and went on a number of day trips and holidays. I can comfortably say that I sincerely enjoy spending time with children. 

When it comes to leisure, I take pleasure in the simple things in life. I enjoy being with my friends, going for walks, travelling, and reading a good book. I love to cook and would enjoy doing this for a family I stay with; I also enjoy making my own bread. I enjoy arts and crafts; I also enjoy movies, current affairs, animals, music and meditation.

I am looking for a live-in arrangement with a family that would be happy to have me stay with and work for them for a long time. I am quite flexible, and do enjoy household chores, I also love dogs and cats so if you have pets that would be a bonus. Pay scale is always difficult to assess, but in general for a European wage it ranges from £10 per hour plus a set rate for extra babysitting in evenings, I am willing to negotiate for the right position though so please don’t be put off, any offers are welcome and will be seriously considered. I am available to start work as of the 13th October. I would be happy to have the opportunity to speak with you: to answer whatever questions you may have.