Natalya, garde enfant à Dundee

I am 21 and currently in my 3rd year at Abertay Univeristy, studying Sport and Psychology. I am a positive, friendly and patient individual who is great with children. I am from Aberdeenshire but I live in Dundee for University. My passions include sports, cooking, arts and crafts and travelling.

I am reliable and responsible individual with 4 years experience working in retail and hospitality. One of my part time jobs in Dundee was at Butterfly Cafe. I loved working there because It was more than just waitressing, I got to be a friendly, smiley face that kids see when they come in and be apart of creating a safe, playful and family friendly environment.

I do not much baby sitting experience as I have only babysat a couple of times for family friends (children aged 6-10 year). However, I do have lots of experience with young people as I have +4 years experience of sports coaching primary and secondary school children including hockey, netball, rugby, dance etc. I have also completed a placement in a Dundee primary school with Active Schools, where I coached an athletics programme. I am a bright, enthusiastic person and I love the energy that kids have and that's just one reason I love working with kids. I'd definitely be up for planning sports or fitness activities with the kids.

I have also had the opportunity of youth working with a charity called the Gaitherin, looking after primary aged children during an Easter Holiday camp. I looked after a group of kids for a week where we played lots of fun active games aswell as arts and crafts. It was an amazing experience and it was so heart warming to know I became I role model to them and if they had any worries or issues during their time at camp, they felt comfortable to talk to me.

I'm a very crafty person however with university and work I never had the time. Over lockdown I created my own small business called Dream Totes where I create hand painted custom tote bags and it feels great to get creative again. I would also be very happy to do artsy activities too.

I am an avid baker and cook and I'd be happy to cook meals and get the kids involved sometimes too! I am a vegetarian and make lots of tasty, nutritious meals such as veggie curry, bean chillies, soups, homemade burgers and pizzas! In terms of baking the list goes on but lemon drizzle cake, brownies and pancakes are my popular bakes!! The last time I babysat I showed the children how to make their own mini pizzas and it went down very well!

My other passion is travelling and after school I took a year out to work and backpack Europe. It was an experience of a lifetime, that furthered my confidence, independence and wonder of exploring new places and cultures.

As I am still at university I would mainly be available to work in the evenings and on weekends. I live in Dundee City and unfortunately I do not drive but i would walk/bus depending on the location.

Since I started sports coaching I just adore working with kids and I would love to have the opportunity to babysit.

Natalya