Nicole

My Summary

My Experience

I have 7 years of experience when working with children in different environments. Currently, I am training to be a Play Therapist, as I believe this is a child's first form of communication. At this time I have been trained in how best to support a child's needs.

In my role as a support teacher, I have been presented with several opportunities to work alongside children with specific learning requirements, which can range from learning, behavioural, emotional, attachment, and social development. As a requirement of my position I participated in several learning and bereavement interventions, which were presented to the children and parents. Furthermore, I have been given the opportunity to provide differentiated support with groups of children through specific interventions, including: Catch-up Literacy/Numeracy, Give us a break, Volcano in my Tummy, Nurture Rooms, Lego Therapy and Literacy Toolbox (Perceptual Literacy) (interventions can be discussed if required). As a result of these interventions, I have been able to assist in the learning and development of the social and emotional skills of the young people I work with.

I have a further 4 years of experience as Play Maker within a hospital setting. My role as a Playmaker was to provide comfort, care and entertainment for children throughout their hospital stay. During this time, I would participate in storytelling, playing, games, and arts and crafts, which I adapted to be suitable for all age groups. One major value that was a continuous aspect throughout the ward was the healing power of play and the belief that a happy child gets better that little bit quicker.

Within the paediatrics ward the four types of play were focused on: Functional, Constructive, Games with rules, and Dramatic and Sociodramatic play. However, Constructive Play was the main priority, as this type of play can be beneficial for children of all ages. As children are able to manipulate their environment in order to create items, this is conducted through several activities including sand and water play, arts and crafts, and construction of building blocks. Although activities could be adapted for older age groups, I found that the best results were produced by children aged 3-8. Constructive play is very beneficial for children who have become withdrawn throughout their time in the ward as it allows for the expansion of imagination, encourages co-operative play, and boosts self-esteem.

For older children within the ward, it was recommended that rather than engage them within Constructive Play, it would be more beneficial to focus on Dramatic and Sociodramatic Play. This area of play allows a young person to act out imaginary situations and change the principles of play based on their interests. This also allowed the children to engage in purposeful reading and writing; they were then able to explore ways of using literacy in a playful way. This area of play provided many benefits as children were able to build upon communication skills, coping skills and bonds of friendship.

My Qualifications

I have several qualifications in childhood development, I am currently undertaking my masters in Play Therapy. But I do have a BSc in Applied Psychology, with a focus on Autism and prenatal and postnatal development.

I have higher qualifications in English, Maths and Psychology.

I am trained in several interventions which are refreshed every September;

Nuture Application – (September 2019-Current).
Coronavirus Attachment Strategy Application and Intervention – (June 2020 – Current).
Give us a break (Bereavement Intervention)- January 2020.
Catch-up Literacy/Numeracy Intervention (Level 1)- November 2019.
There is a Volcano in my Tummy (Anger-Management intervention)- December 2019.

I am also trained in;

Safeguarding
Child Protection
First Aid
Mental Health First Aid
Newborn Development

My Availability

Currently, I work full time at a school. However come the 26th of June I have full availability.

My Fees

• Babysitting from £10.00 per hour
• Nannying from £12.00 per hour (gross)

I understand that each family and child are different. I am open to discussing my fees to understand what would best suit your lifestyle.