Michael was employed as our permanent Manny for 6 months until last October. He was working Monday to Friday.

Michael was in sole charge of my 11y daughter and 17y son. My son has Special Needs (namely anxiety, ADHD, and he's on the autism spectrum). He is also home-schooled and therefore always at home. He therefore required the care of a much younger teenager, and a very different type of care too, which Michael patiently learnt to acquire.

Michael has showed great adaptability in learning about Benjamin's specific needs.

I was impressed that he would try to engage with my son first thing he came to work every afternoon, even though it is not an obvious task as my son is a "young person of few words" to say the least.

At the same time, I would say that Michael's focus on the welfare of any child in his charge is his strongest quality. He would equally always engage with my daughter every day, asking about her day, and if there had been any problem, big or small, he made sure he always reported it to me. Actually, to this day, my daughter says what she misses most about Michael are their daily chat in his car during the early and late afternoon school run...

His practical duties as a manny included school runs, homework, and cooking every evening the family meal.

Michael is a very good, healthy and versatile cook - delicious meals for my daughter and myself, and not so healthy and rigid 2nd "service" for my son in a typical autistic way.

A a singe parent myself with a chronic illness, Michael demonstrated great adaptability beyond strictly nannies duties, which involve some elements of care for myself, as well as home support such as weekly food shopping, running errands, some DYI, caring for our 2 cats etc

I found Michael to be a very reliable and responsible employee, always punctual when picking up my daughter from school, discreet and very affectionate to my children, with whom he quickly formed a strong reciprocated attachment.

Beside his professionalism, he has a very bubbly personality, always comes and leaves work with a smile on his face, which never failed to bring a bit of sunshine to our home.

I would highly recommend Michael to any family, and fully trust his focus on the welfare of any child or children in his care.

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• Cleanliness
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• Communication