Katharine, baby-sitter - NR3 Norwich

Hello!

I'm Katie, 30 years old and a formerly an English teacher to children aged 6-17 in South Korea. I'm also big sister to 3 brothers (now 18, 20 and 28 but it seems like only yesterday I was changing nappies, feeding and bathing them and being taxi driver!).

A year on from teaching English in Korea, I realised I missed being with children and young people, and did a stint teaching French and Spanish students in Peterborough. I relocated to Norwich in August this year and became a volunteer Youth Support Worker, a role which I absolutely love and find really interesting and rewarding. I plan to do a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy at the UEA next year. I have a BA degree in English & Drama.

I've always been a creative type, studying music since I was 6 (I play organ, drums, flute, ukelele and I DJ), I paint, draw and try whatever crafty stuff I can get my hands on. I'm also quite academic and I read a lot of informative books about science, society and culture, but enjoy poetry and creative writing too. I love learning, and I love teaching and encouraging.

My friends and family say that my positive attributes are my compassion, generosity, practicality and laid-back nature. My negative ones tend to be related to my *slight* untidiness and perfectionism in my artistic endeavours! Having said that, it's worth mentioning that I am a clean and respectful and my tidiness has really come along over the years! :)

With children I am always patient, sensitive, understanding and approachable, as well as responsible and mature. I love to sing and play games with kids and can happily sit through any Disney or other animated musical film! As well as engaging children in creative pursuits, I love to play games that incorporate the use of the imagination, like dress-up or charades.

I consider myself a good cook and my friends would testify! I do steer towards the 'healthy' approach to eating, as a relaxed vegetarian I love my veg and the variety of meal preparation that vegetarianism brings. That said, I enjoy my treats such as takeaways, sweets and chocolate at weekends!

I work an office job while I save up for a car so that I can do care-work next year. I don't tend to go out much and it'd be nice to fill that void spending time with young ones and earning some extra money for it. I'd hope to be your favourite and most reliable babysitter when you need a break or have something planned. :)