Special Needs Care in North Devon

I qualified as a childrens nurse in Sept 2000. Since then I have worked on general medical wards, PICU and NICU. I currently work at a Childrens Hospice. During my 13 years the majority of the children I have cared for had life long, complex needs. I have excellent basic nursing knowledge & skills & also many, many specialist skills: Gastrostomy, jejunostomy, nasogastric feeding including blended diet; colostomy; tracheotomy, nasal airway, laryngectomy; epilepsy management including emergency medication, VNS; Nippy ventilation, Cpap, BiPAp, basic makaton (still learning). I find working with children with complex needs enjoyable & rewarding. I feel these children are often misunderstood & not encouraged to achieve their potential. I also understand the needs of the family to spend time together or just to perform day to day tasks or even work as they are often their child's only carer.

| I currently work in a supported living setting with adults with down syndrome. I have had experience with adults with challenging behaviour, autism, Asperger and mobility support needs, supporting them in a care setting and allowing them to access the community. I have worked in primary and secondary mainstream schools supporting children with various challenging behaviours. I have realised I have a talent for bringing joy to people with my enthusiastic yet mature and sensitive approach. I believe it is why I was put on this earth and live for making people happy, particularly those who are might be marginalised by society. My wife is a primary school teacher and offers private tutoring for children of primary school age in the local area.

| I am a caring, compassionate mother of 6 grown up children. I have many years experience in childcare including SEN. I have worked with Autistic (I have an autistic adult daughter) Cerebal Palsy and Down Syndrome children. I am Makaton trained and have Moving and Handling training. I have 10 years experience as a SEN Teaching Assistant in a primary school which is my current role. I am looking to change my career and feel I have much to offer a family as a nanny.

| I am a very hard working lady. Mother of six children of my own, some with special needs. (Flown the nest) I also have 2 grandchildren. I have many years experience working with children as a childminder and a classroom assistant. I have worked with autistic children and cerebral palsy and a variety of other learning needs. I am very positive, bubbly person and always up for a challenge.