Josephine, Babysitter (Chelmsford - CM1)

My name is Josephine. I am a 1.1 music graduate of King's College London, a two-year scholar of the Royal Academy of Music, and a published poet. My spare hours (ha!) get put to creative writing, vegan cookery, and local environment projects.

I have been babysitting since 16, have experience working for a bilingual nursery, and I have a tale or two about what those kids have got up to! But that's what I love about children and young adults - their vigour and spontaneity to say the least. This is why I also often work, by day, as a private tutor. I guarantee professional discretion, too. By night, I am a babysitter *extraordinaire*.

I am also a lover of animals, having owned several cats and a dog (guinea pigs too), so I'm not daunted by household pets. I like to promote healthy eating: I can cook some truly scrummy vegetable meals that I've tried and tested on the pickiest palates over time, however I do prefer not to handle animal products where possible. If you like I can bring the necessary ingredients, which can be added to the babysitting fee for greater convenience.

I can come to you and help entertain your children or just keep the peace (teenager alert!) and send them off to sleep whilst you enjoy your momentary liberation in whichever way you see fit. My arts background definitely leaves me with a trick or two up my sleeve: the best kind of good-behaviour bribery! I can play a host of musical instruments and I have qualifications in the Dramatic Arts. I'm a one-woman show!

I also studied courses in film, history, and philosophy at university. I have A2-Levels in Maths and Further Mathematics (A), as well as 10 GSCEs A*s across the board with the usual options including ICT, French, and Ethics. I was Head Girl too - so hopefully I've got homework help covered. And, just for extra peace of mind, I have a St John's Ambulance Essential First Aid (all ages) certificate as well as a Basic Disclosure for you and your child's safety (along with a clean driver's license).

I will babysit no more than four children at a time. I ask that they be of an age when they are properly toilet trained.

Good luck with your busy schedules - but do call on me to help.