Name: | Alison Coldwell |
Sex: | Female |
D.O.B.: | 27 March 1978 |
Languages Spoken: |
English French |
Resorts I can work in: |
Portes de Soleil |
CRB Check: | 01 Oct 2021 |
Introduction: I've firmly established myself in the Portes du Soleil (by working, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, running...) so know the area well - from the prettiest nature walks to where to get the best hot chocolate! As a creative, organised and calm yet energetic person, I have a lot of warmth and fun to give to your children. Boundaries and expectations are important so I like to get to know people as individuals, and tailor my service by offering options where appropriate. I believe that routine offers comfort and regulation, whilst variety helps to develop neural pathways for growth. Therefore a balance of freeplay, activities and structure best describes my style of support. Also available for short-term live-in posts and longer term commitments if required. Car driver with clean license. Bank transfer only please. | |
Qualifications: The Best Start in Life: Early Childhood Development (UN Academy, 2020) B.A. Hons Fine Art (2000) First Aid (2017) Mental Health First Aid (2018) Paediatric First Aid (2021) Outdoor First Aid (2022) Full DBS check (2018 & 2021) French Police check (2022) | |
Experience: When I first arrived in resort I worked part time for a chalet company and also provided ad-hoc daytime child (and pet!) care for a family with four children (aged 4 to 11) and regularly looked after a friend’s 3 year old - crafting, baking and playing indoors/outdoors. After that I worked as an Activity Rep and Kids Club leader (4-12 year olds) for a British tour operator in Les Gets and also babysat little ones. From there I have expanded my experience to look after babies of all ages. Prior to that I was a Team Leader and Welfare Officer at residential kids camps in the UK for the YHA and RAF (8-16 year olds). In addition to this, I've looked after teams of older teenagers on Project Raleigh in Costa Rica - where we also worked in schools and communities for 3 months. I was inspired to do this after 5 years of mentoring young adults via The Prince's Trust. Since then I’ve been hired for everything from temporary live-in posts and longer-term contracts, to foreign trips and children's parties... so very little phases me! |
Reference Received from: Mike Pratt
Reference: "Alison was always professional, friendly and inviting, she ran our kids club in Les Gets French alpa for 4monthsnover the summer season, she did a fantastic job and has been an asset to our business. Mike Pratt Alpine Elements Morzine" | |
Reference Received from: Craig Widdowson
Reference: "Alison Coldwell has volunteered for the YHA for a couple of years on our Summer Camps supporting young people. Please find below feedback from the Camp Managers: “Thank you for being an amazing part of the team, thank you for picking up on the issues on camp, for expertly and calming managing them and for ensuring that young people on camp were successful but also for knowing that success for each and everyone of them is different. Never did I think I’d see a room of 15 year olds requesting a fairytale but it seems that it was true! Thank you for taking the time to listen, but also for trusting me to action things as necessary. For having the initiative to just get on with it.” Left by YHA St Briavel's Castle For Summer Camp Welfare Volunteer - YHA St Briavels Castle 21 July-3 August 2018 “The following qualities have been scored from 1-10 with 1 being rated as poor and 10 being rated as excellent. Teamwork: 10/10 Communication: 10/10 Initiative: 10/10 Group management skills: 10/10 Rapport with young people: 10/10 Working under pressure: 9/10 Working with the younger campers, Ali’s friendly personality helped her to provide an excellent experience for campers, and to ensure they felt supported at all times. Her experience as a welfare volunteer elsewhere meant that she was comfortable in supporting other team leaders, and had a keen eye to identify potential issues within her and other groups. We only wish we could have worked with Ali for longer – thank you Ali!” Left by YHA Edale For Summer Camp Volunteer Team Leader - YHA Edale 11-24 August 2018" | |
Reference Received from: Gina Ewart
Reference: "Ali worked for us this winter as a part time driver and she was courteous, a safe driver and reliable. She did have to deal with a tyre blow out on the motorway and stayed calm and the guests were positive about how she handled the situation. I did not witness Ali working with children as this was not a childcare role so this is just a character witness. Gina Ewart Reach4theAlps" | |
Reference Received from: Liam Brown
Reference: "Generally, Alison was amazing, firstly from a professional point of view she was exemplary - communication was good, punctuality was spot on and her all round demeanour was first class. Secondly, from a caring for Nelly point of view she was simply lovely. She was loving and compassionate with Nelly when handing over (which was difficult with Nelly getting upset we were leaving) whilst being extremely proactive in ensuring she had a fun and active time together. We had some friends who stayed at the chalet some mornings or came back early and they all commented on how attentive and caring Alison was. Alison kept us updated with how Nelly was doing with pictures throughout the day and it was really nice to see she took her out and did activities with her. We would highly recommend Alison to anyone visiting and if timings align, we will definitely be asking to work with her again. Liam Brown Morzine February 2022" | |
Reference Received from: Ellie Wheeler
Reference: "Alison is a very experienced and confident nanny. We were totally happy leaving our children (all under 3 years old) in her capable hands. She made sure they got out and about in the fresh air at least once a day including to see the horses and out for crepes! The children had a great time and were well worn out by the time we got back. Would not hesitate to recommend. Ellie Wheeler Morzine February 2023" | |
Reference Received from: Harriet Smith
Reference: "Ali was the absolute perfect nanny for our 11mo boy. She is a warm, easy going and nurturing nanny and person. Despite the fact our son was going through a patch of separation anxiety, Ali was able to handle it confidently and ensure any upset was minimised. All the photos and updates we received throughout the day showed our son was having the time of his life, visiting horses, going on nature walks, having fun at play cafes and riding on the town carousel! Ali made sure he napped on time, and fed accordingly, meaning we had absolutely no worries or concerns about him while we were skiing and were able to enjoy some time alone as a couple for the first time since our son was born nearly a year ago! We felt so so lucky that Ali was available for our holiday, and will re-book Morzine again in the hope we can work with her again next year! Thank you Ali for everything and for making our holiday dream a reality. Harriet Smith Morzine March 2024 " |