Laurel Archibald

Babysitting children aged 1, 3, 8, and 10 has helped me develop a wide range of practical, organisational, and interpersonal skills, as I adapt my care depending on each child’s age and needs. With the younger children (ages 1 and 3), I take full responsibility for their daily care routines. This includes changing nappies, preparing and serving meals, and ensuring they are safe and comfortable at all times. I also plan and set up age-appropriate activities, such as toys, games, or creative play, and then clear everything away afterwards to keep the environment tidy and safe. This has strengthened my attention to detail, patience, and ability to stay calm while managing constant supervision.With the older children (ages 8 and 10), I organise and support a variety of activities, including games, creative tasks, and learning-based activities. I help them with homework when needed, encourage them to stay focused, and ensure activities are engaging and appropriate. I also set up and clear away these activities, helping them develop responsibility while maintaining structure and order.Across all ages, I prepare and serve meals and snacks, ensure hygiene and safety standards are met, and manage multiple responsibilities at once. This role has significantly improved my organisation, time management, decision-making, and ability to stay calm under pressure. It has also made me highly reliable and confident in taking responsibility for the care and wellbeing of others.

As a Wellbeing Support Worker at Nichols Court, an assisted living home for around 40 elderly residents living in independent flats, I support residents to maintain their independence while promoting their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. My role focuses on ensuring residents feel included, supported, and safe within their community. I regularly organise and run coffee mornings and group activities, helping to create a welcoming social environment where residents can connect with others, and reduce feelings of isolation. I also assist in planning and setting up a range of activities, encouraging participation and engagement based on individual interests and abilities. A key part of my role is actively promoting wellbeing by encouraging residents to leave their flats and take part in communal life, helping to prevent loneliness and isolation. I build positive relationships with residents so they feel comfortable and supported in engaging with others. I also monitor residents’ well-being on a daily basis, paying attention to changes in mood, behaviour, or health, and ensuring any concerns are recorded accurately. I document incidents and communicate important information clearly and responsibly to ensure appropriate follow-up and support. Overall, this role has strengthened my communication, empathy, organisation, and responsibility, while giving me valuable experience working with vulnerable individuals in a caring and professional environment.

I am a second-year A Level student at Long Road Sixth Form College, where I am studying English Language and Literature, Geography, and Design and Technology. Through my studies, I am developing strong analytical, research, and communication skills, along with the ability to manage a demanding workload across multiple subjects.

English Language and Literature has strengthened my ability to interpret texts, express ideas clearly, and think critically. Geography has developed my understanding of global systems, environments, and human impact, as well as my ability to analyse data and form balanced arguments. Design and Technology has allowed me to apply creativity and problem-solving skills to practical projects, developing my attention to detail and ability to follow structured design processes.

Overall, my A Level studies are helping me become more independent, organised, and resilient, while preparing me with the academic and practical skills needed for future study and a career in aviation.

I completed work experience at Rosbuds Nursery in Hildersham, where I worked with children ranging from babies to toddlers, and older pre-school age. This role gave me valuable insight into early years care and helped me develop strong communication, patience, and responsibility skills in a professional childcare setting.

I supported staff during key parts of the daily routine, including feeding times, playtime, nap/bedtime routines, and outdoor play activities. With babies, I assisted with feeding, soothing, and maintaining a calm, safe environment. With toddlers and older children, I helped to organise and supervise play activities, encouraging learning through play, and supporting their social and emotional development.

I also helped to set up and tidy away activities, ensuring the environment remained safe, clean, and engaging for the children. This experience strengthened my ability to follow instructions, work as part of a team, and take responsibility for the wellbeing of young children.

I volunteered at Daisy May’s Farm, where I gained hands-on experience caring for a wide range of animals, including horses, chickens, ducks, lambs, birds, goats, pigs, ostriches, and more. This role helped me develop responsibility, time management, and a strong work ethic in an outdoor, practical environment.

My main duties included cleaning out animal enclosures, ensuring all areas were kept safe, hygienic, and suitable for the animals' welfare. I also helped with feeding routines, including filling food supplies, distributing feed, and assisting with lamb and chick bottle-feeding activities, which required patience, care, and attention to detail.

In addition, I supported public-facing activities by helping customers during feeding sessions and animal encounters, ensuring they had a positive, safe experience. This involved clear communication, friendliness, and awareness of health and safety procedures.

Overall, this volunteering experience strengthened my teamwork, reliability, and ability to take responsibility while working in a busy, hands-on environment with both animals and the public.