Michelle, nanny in Camborne

MIchelle cared for both of my children from birth until 4 yrs of age and is an incredible individual, both professionally and as a person. SHe is Hugely experienced and I never had a moments concern leaving the children to go to work, even when kids poorly. The children loved her and are still in touch. She scores and 'excellent' in every category. My advice would be to snatch her up quickly before you miss the opportunity!

Reference for Michelle Sowden Michelle has worked for us for almost 8 years – 2 days a week at first and then moving to 3 long days. She has looked after my eldest son since I went back to work when he was 12 months old and then my second son since he was born 5 years ago. Michelle is one of the most amazing people I have ever had the good fortune to meet. She has a fantastic kindness and warmth with children and adults. She is incredibly gentle and loving towards my sons and somehow manages to get them to do things I find tricky. I have never heard her raise her voice and yet for Michelle somehow leaving the house with shoes on, teeth cleaned and appropriate bags just seems to happen with no fuss and good humour. She is great at finding interesting places to take the boys and fun activities at home – especially craft and games. She also makes an effort to make friends with other parents or nannys in the area who have kids my children like to meet up with so they can play together. She is a very outdoors focused person and will take them outside whatever the weather. I asked my 8 year old what he likes about her and one of the many things he said was “she lets us make lots of choices”. She always prioritizes the children’s plans especially during school holidays or preschool time. She is works hard at finding out what’s on in the local area and special places to take them to. Michelle cooks delicious healthy food for them – she will always cook anything I ask her to but also uses her initiative to try new things with them and is more successful than I am when it comes to getting them to eat vegetables! I know that one of Michelle’s priorities is to do everything she can to give me time with the children so she will often do other jobs around the house to facilitate me having more time. When I was on maternity leave with my second son we kept Michelle on which allowed me time to spend with my children one at a time which is something I hugely valued. She has a wealth of experience in childcare but she is not intrusive and will never give advice unless I have asked for it and is always supportive. Michelle has only had 1 day off unexpectedly in the whole time she has worked for us and that was the day her dog sadly had to be put down. She is completely reliable and has been very flexible which has been invaluable for my sometimes unpredictable work. I receive regular unprompted positive feedback from other parents about Michelle – she is universally liked and respected. Over the last 8 years we have all come to love and respect Michelle and are finding it hard to imagine life without her now both children will be at school. We will miss her immensely and I would not hesitate to employ her again or recommend her to any future employer.