Gemma, childcare provider in Stonham aspal IP14

Hi, my name is Gemma and I am 22 years old, living in Suffolk.

I am a friendly, reliable and hard working individual and I have a real passion for working with children. I am a good time keeper and like to be organised. From a very young age, I had my heart set on working with children. In my opinion, it is such a fun and rewarding career!

I like the challenge of working with children because you are always learning new things and I find that no two days are the same. I believe I am suitable to work with children because of my caring and trustworthy nature. I am patient with children and find them interesting to observe and enjoy being a part of their learning. Having a mature and open-minded attitude, with an organised, professional approach to my work, means I work efficiently. I am hard working and have a desire to look after children safely, without taking away their sense of fun. One of my interests is arts and crafts which I enjoy applying in my work place by way of creating interesting activities with the children.

Although I am not yet a parent myself, I understand how hard it can be leaving your child with a stranger. Knowing that I am a part of parents being able to go to work knowing that their child is safe and happy is a delight. I am happy to share pictures and stories with parents so that they know what their children have been up to during each day. I believe it is essential to exchange information daily with parents and I always listen and respect the parents views as they know their children best!

After finishing college in 2011, I was employed in a day nursery where I had completed one of my placements. I worked in the baby room (0-2 years) from 2011-2014 and was the Senior of the baby room for the last year. I then decided I wanted to do something different so I went on to work in a Montessori nursery (2-4 years) of an independent school as a teaching assistant which is where I am currently working with my temporary contract expiring in July.

Although these are the age rooms I have been based with, I have overall cared for children from 0-6 years. I have also spent a lot of time babysitting, helping out at toddler groups and holiday clubs and working in nursery and year 1 classes in various schools on my placements.

I am currently studying to finish my Foundation degree in April and my temporary contract ends at my current school in July. Although my contract may be renewed for September, I am looking into becoming a nanny from July 2015.

I am ideally looking for a full time Mon-Fri nannying job but am happy to work as a nanny share for 2/3 families part time if they fit in. I am currently looking to offer day nannying including school runs, although I am happy to continue babysitting in the evenings too.

I am flexible in what families require may it involve a regular day each week, school pick ups or just the odd night once a month. I am happy to discuss any sort of childcare requirements you may have so please just ask.

I am happy to take charge in stimulating the children away from the home as well as inside. E.g. taking them to the park, toddler groups, playgroups, soft play areas, library, swimming etc and planning activities such as story sacks and art and crafts within the home. I am also able to undertake responsibilities such as keeping the children’s bedrooms tidy and manage their routines including meals, nap times, bath times, bedtimes etc.

I am currently studying for my Foundation degree in Children’s Care, Learning & Development (Levels 4 & 5) and finish this in April, graduating in October.

In 2011 I left college with a Level 3 CACHE diploma in Child Care & Education (achieved B grade)

I also have:
- Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering (valid until May 17)
- Level 2 Award Paediatric First Aid (valid until April 17)
- Introduction to Safeguarding Children and Young people (valid until Feb 16)
- DBS check (last done in Nov 14)

I have also had Epi pen training and completed a number of other courses including A Positive Approach to Behaviour (Suffolk County Council), Food Allergy Online Training (Food Standards Agency) and NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Drug Awareness.