Hi everyone!



I am married and we have a son called Josiah who recently turned 1 and we live in Derby. I am excited for this opportunity to train to become a class leader; implementing the use of Makaton with singing and to run classes which are fun for all.

I have worked as a Health Care Assistant/Support worker on various adult wards and within the maternity antenatal departments (consultant clinics, assessment unit and Fetal medicine).

Over the years I have worked with children in various ways, both voluntary and paid work.  I have spent a year overseas working with children who were orphaned. I have worked as a Nursery Assistant, Nursery Nurse, Nanny, and at present working as a qualified Health Care Play Specialist within a hospital setting. I work with 0-18 years old, whoever is on the ward at the time, Children's Emergency Department or the High Dependency unit. In this setting I work with all children, including those with autism, long term health conditions, communication difficulties etc. I help to prepare children (and parents too) for various procedures, and offer the child distraction for these. I provide children with a choice wherever possible, to help them cope.  I offer support for the parent(s)/carers and help the children to have a positive experience of being in hospital, working with them to offer various strategies to help them to cope and encourage resilience.

I look forward to meeting you all soon.