Introducing Myself

My name is Michaela Louise Rawsthorne. I live in Llanarth, between Raglan and Abergavenny, with my husband, Ashley. I live just around the corner from my parents, my 3 sisters and brother, who are aged between 4 and 11.     

My Husband and I

I would describe myself as an open and outgoing person, with determination and ambition. I am friendly, helpful and enjoy working with people. I am a happy person, who strives to please.  I am also punctual and professional, with a good sense of humour, loads of energy and always smiling.

My husband and I got married in May, so most of my free time at the moment is spent decorating and turning our house into a home. However I enjoy 'Days Out', Shopping and spending time with friends and family.

I have been driving for 4 1/2 years, and have a full, clean driving licence. My father and husband are mechanics, therefore i make sure my vehicle is always safe, roadworthy and insured.

I can be trusted with a cooker, and enjoy cooking a variety of healthy dishes, although I also enjoy making the odd cake!

I am quite good with a hoover and duster too, and very hardworking.

Qualifications and Experience

I have been working with children for over 5 years and have experience with children and young adults between the age of Newborn and 16 years of age.  I was also lucky enough to support my mum, together with my dad, through the pregnancy of my brother, who is now 4. I have been childminding him since he was a newborn. I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience from this that is not taught in any course.

On a regular basis I care for 4 children at one time, so I am experienced in doing more than one thing at once, and able to plan enjoyable activities for each child based on their ages.

I have carried out work experience in both Clearwell C of E Primary School and Raglan V.C Primary School.

Between 2007 and 2008, i volunteered as a leader for Raglan Rainbows, part of the Girl Guiding Association, working with girls between the age of 5 and 7. During this time, I gained experience in planning activities, organising meetings and keeping confidential records of the children and their progress. I also took part in training courses provided by the Girl Guiding Association. These Included, 'Safe From Harm', 'First Response' and 'Rainbow Programme'

I sat my GCSE's whilst I attended Monmouth Comprehensive School. I gained 10 GCSE's, achieving A's, B's and C's.

 As part of my GCSE's, I studied AQA Home Economics: Child Development, achieving a grade A, and OCR Health and Social Care Double Award, achieving a grade BB.

I have also completed and passed an Introduction to Childcare Practice Course, which is part of the accredited CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Home Based Childcare Qualification.

I have Studied and achieved courses, 'Understanding Society' and 'Starting with Pyschology' with the Open University.

I have  a copy available of my Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure Check.

I have tried to sum myself up as much as possible, but I am sure you may have more questions to ask me. Please do not hesitate to contact me using the details on my 'Contact Me' page.

Although some of my services are based on emergency and short notice childcare, I always feel that, whenever possible, it is advantagous to meet before any childcare service takes place.

You are trusting me with someone  very special, and I am keen to make sure that everyone is comfortable and happy with the service I will be providing.

 It is good for the parents/guardians to get to know their childcare provider a little before leaving them with their children, and it is also very important that the child/children feel comfortable with any arrangement, is happy with the childcarer, and is content enough to be left with them.