Elana, baby-sitter - HA8 Edgware

In 2006 I studied Child Development GCSE; in 2008 I studied CACHE level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education. In 2012 I studied NVQ Level 4 in Children's Care, Learning and Education. In 2015 I completed my foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies. Part of my duties at my previous setting included planning and implementing activities for groups and individual children as well as record keeping. I have experience of working to the EYFS standards and the National Curriculum.

The CACHE level 3 course and NVQ level 4, my current and previous place of work has given me the knowledge I need to work with children and all the requirements of the policies, legislation and curriculums for children aged 0-5 years. From my studies I have gained the knowledge and awareness of Special Educational Needs, child protection, equal opportunities and the importance of working alongside families. I have knowledge of health and safety and hygiene standards as I have a RSPH Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene and have studied about health and safety in childcare setting as part of my course. I also have a foundation course in Safeguarding and Child Protection and know what to do in a situation if a child discloses information to me. I have recently learnt about the Common Assessment Framework during my foundation studies, which has given me the tools to be proactive in using this.

I have experience of working with children who have special needs including global delay, autism and behaviour problems. Since working with a child with behavioural problems I have learnt different strategies to stop situations from getting out of hand and supporting other members who need help in these situations. From this job I have been able to work with a range of different professionals including speech and language therapist and occupational therapists. I have also learnt to work in partnership with parents and the SENCO to provide support in any way possible and have been able to see the many advantages of this.

I have the skills and ability to work as part of a team and have good working relationships with colleagues, children, parents and careers and can communicate efficiently with them with a warm and friendly approach. I am able to work with other staff to maintain high standards within the childcare setting. I enjoy working as part of a team and facing the challenges we meet. I have experience of working with colleagues to plan and deliver activities that are adult-led and child-initiated that cover the EYFS seven areas of learning to promote children’s emotional, physical, social and intellectual needs and have good observation and recording skills. I can create a safe, secure and stimulating environment for children both indoors and outdoors. I enjoy learning about other cultures and religions and encourage the children to share their home life for everyone to gain an understanding of their lives. I am very flexible for work hours and will also be prepared and willing to work out side normal hours in case of emergencies. I have an understanding of safeguarding have a certificate in this and would know what to do if there is a concern about a child. I also have good IT skills and able to use many programs including word, PowerPoint and excel.