Orlando

About Me

Eight years of being the person who steps in and the person who steps out.

I walk into homes that aren’t mine, stepping into routines already in motion. I meet children where they are—sometimes cautious, sometimes curious, sometimes unsure what to make of me at first. Because I’m new. Because I’m unfamiliar. Because, to them, I am unexpected.

Some children see me for just a moment—a single night, a few hours, a brief stop in the timeline of their lives. Others grow with me, and more will, their newborn cries turning into laughter, their hesitant steps turning into confident strides, their little hands reaching for mine until, one day, they no longer need to.

I am both temporary and constant.
A familiar face to some, a passing figure to others.
Always present, yet never permanent.

And outside of their world, some people never quite know what to make of me.

"How did you get into this?"
"Wait, you do this (childcare) full-time?"
"I’ve never met a male nanny/babysitter before!"

As if care should have rules. As if nurture should have a gender.

But children don’t care about labels.
They care that I show up. That I listen. That I meet them where they are.

They care about the little things—the way I remember their favourite bedtime stories, the way I catch them when they leap without looking, the way I listen when they have something important (or completely nonsensical) to say. The way I stay when they ask me to, and step back when they're ready.

And in the middle of all the movement, there are moments.

A baby, who would only settle for their parents, drifting off to sleep in my arms.
A toddler, once reluctant at bedtime, now reaching for my hand under the blankets.
A child who once watched from a distance, pulling me into their play as if I was always meant to be there.
A small hand slipping into mine—not out of habit, but out of trust.

And eight years in, I know one thing for sure:

I may not be permanent, but for them, in those moments, I am.

——Who I Am and What I Do——
I’m Orlando, formerly known as Jan, and I’m 34 years old.

My journey into childcare was a choice I made consciously—And I went into it head first. My very first childcare role was with a single dad raising four boys: triplets and their older brother.

But this decision wasn’t random. It was driven by something deeply personal, rooted in my own childhood experiences.

I grew up in a home where emotional and physical abuse and neglect were part of daily life. As a child, I didn’t fully understand what I was missing—just that something felt off. As a child, you adapt to what's around you. You don't yet know what's normal, so whatever you experience at home can easily feel like it's just how the world works—because it's the only reality you know. But as I got older, I realised how much I had been denied—not just love, but the sense of security, care, and guidance that every child deserves.

Even in childhood, I noticed younger children who felt lonely or disconnected often gravitated toward me. They seemed to sense that I understood what it was like to feel unseen, and I instinctively offered them the warmth and connection they needed. Those early moments deeply shaped my empathy, giving me an intuitive understanding of what children need—knowing what felt right or wrong in certain situations, not because I’d seen it modelled, but precisely because I hadn’t.

Realising the impact of my childhood experiences was part of why I left behind "my family" at nineteen and later changed my name—to reflect the person I’ve become, to finally let go, and to be fully and completely myself.

My formal childcare journey began as an Au Pair, and since then, I've dedicated myself to working with families as a live-in and live-out nanny, babysitter, and volunteer. Over these eight years, I've supported hundreds of families—through one-off bookings, occasional care, or long-term arrangements. While each child I’ve cared for has taught me something new, what has truly guided me has always been my own intuitive understanding, shaped by the empathy drawn from my past.

Today, my goal is simple—to offer every child I care for the genuine connection, warmth, and emotional safety I intuitively knew I needed when I was young, even if I couldn’t put it into words at the time. To provide the kind of nurturing environment that, at a deeper level, every child inherently deserves.

Looking to the future, my dedication to childcare continues. I’m committed to supporting children, whether it’s through my current roles, my studies, or my goal to become a Play Therapist—specifically so I can help children find their voice and heal, drawing from the empathy and intuition I developed from my own early experiences.

One day, I want to raise my own family with the love, security, and emotional warmth I never experienced myself—to guide my children with patience and empathy, ensuring they always feel seen, heard, and secure. It’s a dream built not only on what I lacked but on the strength, compassion, and resilience I've already learned to give and receive along the way.opment, I’d love to chat.

——My Current Work——
Right now, I split my time between several childcare roles:

Regular nanny for a little girl born in late 2023 on Thursdays and Fridays.
Emergency and ad hoc childcare (self-employed) for families who need flexible, short-notice care.
I also take on some emergency bookings from Bright Horizons (through British Nannies).
I’d love to find another family for one or two more days per week, in addition to my Thursdays and Fridays. I am also available for babysitting.

I’m OFSTED registered, meaning families can use Tax-Free Childcare when booking with me.

——My Qualifications and Training——
Over the years, I’ve built a strong foundation of knowledge and hands-on experience to provide the best care I can. Some of my key qualifications include:

—Level 3 Diploma in Childcare & Development
—Level 3 Maternity Nurse Training (Babyem)
—Paediatric First Aid
—Certificates in Safer Sleeping for Babies, Understanding and Addressing Behaviour, and Level 2 Safeguarding Children

I’m also studying for a degree in Child Psychology to further support children’s emotional and developmental needs.

Alongside my degree, I’m taking courses on:

Working with children with learning difficulties
Understanding adverse childhood experiences and trauma
My long-term goal is to become a Play Therapist, helping children recover from difficult experiences and build resilience through play-based interventions.

——Experience with Special Needs and Disabilities——
I have experience caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Special Educational Needs (SEN), and physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy.

I always adapt my approach to each child’s unique needs—whether that means using visual communication tools, supporting sensory preferences, or tailoring activities to their abilities and interests.

——My Childcare Superpowers——
My childcare superpowers are patience, empathy, and building genuine connections.

I quickly gain children's trust by getting onto their level, engaging them playfully, and helping them navigate choices while understanding natural consequences. I provide a calm and steady presence, supporting children through challenges and helping them feel secure and confident.

I nurture children's development through play, reassurance, and genuine connection, ensuring they feel safe and cared for while their parents are away. I encourage outdoor play for all children, and can support older ones by coordinating with their coaches in sports like tennis, rugby, cricket, and football. I also assist with learning to play instruments in between their lessons with their tutors, having supported children practicing guitar and piano, while learning the accordion myself.

Beyond direct childcare, I provide practical support by keeping children’s spaces neat and tidy, managing their laundry, and ensuring a comfortable environment for them to thrive. Parents can rely on me for steady, understanding care and practical insights. My approach is built on warmth, reliability, and the belief that every child deserves to feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow.

——Supporting Parents, Not Just Children——
I don’t just support children—I support families.

I know that parenting is tough, and I always aim to offer advice, guidance, or a listening ear when needed.

I believe parents don’t have to be perfect—what matters most is being involved, loving, and understanding. My role isn’t just about providing care when parents are away; it’s also about helping families build positive environments where children can thrive.

——Let’s Talk!——
If you’re looking for a trustworthy, experienced, and dedicated childcare professional who will genuinely care for your child’s well-being and development, I’d love to chat.