Samantha, foreign au pair - G67 Cumbernauld

Throughout my Course and first year of working I gained knowledge of current legislation to support children including child protection guidelines. The practical element of the course gave me real first hand experience and helped me develop skills required to make a difference to the development and wellbeing of children. Treating each child as an individual and demonstrated care and support to the children and i would respond to their physical needs.

Skills learned included being good at listening to the children and have patience to understand they may have various of levels of language and communication stages. when interacting with children i got down to their level and i was also able to interpret childrens body language to identify their individual needs.

I also feel I have become a skilled observer with the ability to record and asses my observations. throughout my time at placement i observed many children using a variety of techniques i was also discrete while recording my observations to see the children in their natural play without concern of me writing about them

I would also plan different activities for the children to participate in also allowing for adaptation for the childrens different levels of ability ensuring that they could be challenged but also would succeed.

I am able to remain calm also in stressful situation which i feel will also help in emergencies and manage at times of challenge or a crisis. I am also keen to do any further training that is needed.

I am willing to take responsibility of others and throughout my time at my placement. I worked part of a team which cares for the child within a safe and inclusive setting. I had several opportunities to assist staff to share work commitments while they were busy e.g. writing report I would have the responsibility of ensuring the welfare and care of their group of children. I was also flexible by going in extra days for the christmas week and the last two weeks of June I also went in during my remediation week at college. I am also confident to make decisions and i am able to assess what is best for the child I contributed ideas at planning meetings which would discuss what topics to focus on throughout the month and also what childrens would have their development and behaviour observed.

On a personal level i feel i am enthusiastic, patient hardworking and cheerful and have always been able to develop good relationships with colleagues and customers. All of my previous work experience has been customer facing and something that i have enjoyed. I believe that as well as working closely with children and people it is also important to develop trust and a relationship with parents.

I genuinely hope to be a positive role model to children I work with where i can help make a difference to their lives and encourage them to develop their skills and abilities and I believe from a personal point i will gain great job satisfaction from this role.