Amanda, garde d’enfant - SP10 Charlton

Hi, I am a proud mum to 2 teenagers. I joined the RAF in 1992, met and married Gary in 1998. Gary joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and we embarked on a life and career overseas. We have lived in Chile, Tunisia, Cambodia, South Africa and Grand Cayman. I learned to speak conversational French and Spanish while living in Tunisia and Chile. I registered as a childminder between posts while we lived in the U.K. from 2005-2009. I then started studying with the Open University toward a Foundation Degree in Early Years. In South Africa I continued my studies and worked as a teaching assistant in an International School, working with children aged 4-14 and covering all aspects of the curriculum. I especially enjoyed literacy. We then moved to Grand Cayman and I volunteered in a preschool and also with year 1 students supporting them in the maths programme. I then worked in a Montessori with children aged 6 months to 5 years. Over 8 years I studied for 6 years on 3 continents and gained a BA (Hons) in Early Years, completing my final module earlier this year. We have returned to the UK and I am currently working with an education agency and have been working with children with special needs since October. I am looking for a permanent position with a school and plan to work towards Qualified Teacher Status in the next 2 yrs. I have been first aid trained and have attended regular courses to maintain the qualification. I also trained as a swimming instructor and lifeguard whilst in South Africa. I have attended various workshops over the years including positive behaviour management and child protection. Whilst living in SA I started a community service project to raise awareness on the plight of the rhinos with my daughter (who was then 10). I am a keen reader, love most sports (represented my station in hockey, netball, football, volleyball and swimming whilst in the RAF), am a Disney addict and love playing in the park and going for long walks.