Michelle Cusack has been with the family she works for since 2013, and they say that she has been critical to supporting their career success while also ensuring there is a healthy and strong family environment – ‘she makes a huge positive difference to our family, and I couldn't imagine how we'd function without her!’
Michelle is adored by the children she cares for, being warm and loving but knowing how to set clear boundaries. She has provided exceptional childcare at all stages of the children's lives, providing activities for their all-round development, including baking, climbing trees and gardening.
Michelle's mix of skills reflects what is needed to be a great nanny – amazing patience, lots of initiative and a real love of children. Her family benefit from her strong communication skills, childcare advice and ‘can-do’ attitude.
It isn't only with childcare that Michelle shines. She is a great cook, and provides a home-cooked dinner for the whole family every day she works. She also manages the day-to-day functioning of the house, from the weekly grocery shop to sorting out a broken dishwasher and packing school bags, all of which mean more quality time for the parents to spend with their children.
Michelle has travelled with the family to destinations including San Francisco, New York and St Lucia, coping admirably with each new environment.
The family also appreciate her ability to exercise fantastic judgement about when to engage with them and when to step away, with what they call a ‘magic sense’.
Michelle has progressed her qualifications from Level 3 to a foundation degree and then a BA (Hons) Childhood in the Early Years.
Our judges were hugely impressed with Michelle after interviewing her about all aspects of her work, saying, ‘Michelle's journey to becoming a nanny was not a usual one, but once she had chosen that path it became her passion; every aspect of children's growth and learning is fascinating to her and she continues to be enthusiastic and excited to discover more.
‘On top of this she is also a caring, creative, hardworking, loving, professional nanny, who gives 100 per cent to the children she cares for every day. She really has set the bar high for future entrants.’
“The thing that most impressed us was how self-motivated Michelle is
– judges
HIGHLY COMMENDED Elisabeth Watts
Norland nanny Lizzie Watts looks after three boys aged from four to nine. Her care and professionalism have supported them through difficult times as several close family members have died in recent years. She has been a constant source of joy and happiness, putting the family's needs before her own.
The judges say, ‘Lizzie encapsulates so many of the qualities we were looking for in an ideal nanny. She is warm, caring, intelligent and a total professional to her fingertips. She has often been a mentor to nannies in training and they could not have a better role model.’
FINALISTS
Lisa Burgin
Brigitte Day
Sally Stimson
CRITERION
Open to any qualified or experienced nanny (minimum five years' experience if not qualified)
