Sophie worked from 2015-2018 as nanny to our two daughters, Maya (born 2013) and Lila (born 2016). 
 
During this period she went gone above and beyond what you would expect from a nanny.  Not only has she provided she provided reliable and thoughtful childcare, she has provided invaluable advice and guidance to my husband and I helping us to better understand the developmental needs of our children.

Sophie was a dream employee - thoughtful, reliable, responsible and punctual. As a working mother with a demanding job Sophie has been indispensible. I have been able to go to work safe in the knowledge that my children could not be in better hands.

 To this end, she has:
- kept a daily diary of  our children’s activities, tracking the achievement of key developmental milestones. She took the children to do an activity every morning and afternoon. These were really varied and included music, crafts, swimming, dance, trips to the library and local museums to ensure that our children got a full range of stimulus;
- conducted regular developmental assessments of our children. These have assessed performance in the following 7 developmental areas: personal, social, emotional, literacy, understanding of the world, physical, communication and language, maths, expressive arts and design. Her assessments have been astutely observed and comprehensive. They have helped us to better understand our children and how we can best support them; and
 
- Helped us manage key transitions. For example, when our older child was potty trained she wrote a potty training strategy.  Sophie identified when she thought our daughter was ready and then wrote up the strategy. This ensured consistency across the week across the days when she was with the children and when they were with my/myself and my husband. This thought through, considered approach meant that my daughter was very clear of what was expected of her and was gently eased into the process. As a result was fully potty trained in less than week.
 
All this demonstrates Sophie’s passion for understanding the development of children and young people. She brings this to all she does.  She has an inquiring mind and has used her academic studies in this field to shape her engagement with the children. For example in settling disputes between the children, creating a safe environment for children to explore, and reflecting on her own practice regularly.
 
- She has been adaptable to changing circumstances. She has worked with us abroad and provide childcare support during our frantic wedding week. She has also adapted to an extension in the family with the arrival of Lila and providing both newborn care and overnight care.
 
Sophie got our family off to a great start in life.

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