Charlotte, nanny in Worcester

My Name is Charlotte , but I prefer to be called Lotte, I am a kind and caring young woman (D.O.B. 5th October 1994) from a single-parented family (living with my mother) and I am an only child. But have experience in working with Children and Young People from the age of 6 months – 16 years of age.

I am available to babysit/ look after children and young people either for a few hours a day or as a part time carer. I have experience as a babysitter as I have cared for younger relatives and family friends’ children as well as working in various childcare settings over the past 3½ years.

I believe that every child is entitled to a childhood full of adventures, activities and amusement! And so I intend to help children achieve this, no matter what ability and disability, ethnic origin, background/ circumstances etc.

I had an active and fun childhood; since the age of 4 years old I have been passionate about dance and between the ages of 4 and 10 years I attended ‘Melanie Richards Dance School’ in St. Johns Worcester, where I achieved many certificates in Ballet and Tap, as well as being awarded a Silver medal for a Tap performance. Nowadays, I often attend short courses with ‘Dance at 8’ learning various dance styles – I particularly enjoy the Hustle and Jive.

My main hobby has always been singing; the saying “I started to sing before I learnt how to talk” couldn’t be more apt! Throughout Primary and Secondary Education I was part of the School Choirs, which also gave me confidence to participate in school talent competitions. At high School I would constantly practice songs with my Choir teacher and I achieved my Half Colours in Year 10 for outstanding effort in Music. At present I am the first to have a sing on the Karaoke! I also own my own Drum Kit and love teaching others how to beat out a rhythm too!

In the Kitchen I am an eager Chef; I enjoy cooking and do as much as I can at home, from preparing basic family meals to more adventurous dishes for special occasions. Baking is my ultimate past time as a child as my gran would give me all her tips on the perfect Sponge Cake! I also like to lead cooking activities at work so that the children can have a go themselves then clear up to a fun tune as we go along… You can have peace of mind that the kitchen will be clean!

I have been working as a part-time Support Worker for children and young people who have moderate – severe disabilities. My responsibilities include providing personal care to the Children and Young People; aiding mobility, helping with personal hygiene (changing nappies and clothing, helping to the toilet), maintaining clear boundaries, in terms of acceptable behaviour, varying to different abilities of understanding by using encouragement and praise as a reward for good behaviour, and ensuring safety and security for all people who come onto the premises - through required training; First Aid and Food Hygiene. As well as working with the Children and Young People's Parents/ Carers in order to identify individual strengths and needs in order to organise the most suitable programmes of care and support. This shows that I am a reliable and hardworking individual. I have also had experience working at Northwick Manor Primary School with children from years 1 – 6 and have babysat/ looked after family friends’ children as they’ve grown up.

I am a keen fundraiser for charities. I have completed two 10.5 mile walks in order to raise money for New Hope (in 2013) and Acorns Children’s Hospice (in 2012). I have completed a Firewalk in August 2014 for the PSP Association, PSP is a disease that affects the brain and impairs movements. I thoroughly enjoy my work supporting the children and I would like to work in this area of work full time.

I speak English, as my 1st language, but I have learnt British Sign Language (BSL) in order to aid my volunteering for Deaf Direct, where I work with children and young people who have hearing impairments. I enjoy taking part in the annual fundraiser for deaf direct where we sign-sing to Christmas carols too! Through Deaf Direct, I have also been able to join other groups, such as the Worcester Community Trust Shadow Board, as well as participating in events, such as the Children’s Voice Conference 2009.