It does not seem to matter that I have up-to-date qualifications - a First Aid certificate for babies and children, a Maternity Practitioner certificate and an enhanced police check certificate - and that I can also swim, drive and speak fluent French (being half-French). I am also flexible, as I have only myself to consider and, as such, I am willing to travel, live out, live in or be a proxy parent (as I was in my most recent position). I am completely dedicated to my charges, and totally trustworthy and reliable (written by all my past employers in every job I have done).
Yet I appear to have been shelved because of my age. Never mind that I still can run after a ball, climb frames and go down the slides holding my little charge on my lap, go swimming with the children, cook them delicious meals and make their lives a fun learning time.
So agencies, where did I go wrong? Why am I not being put forward for the jobs I read about in Nursery World that I am very capable of doing? Agency representatives who have met me said they couldn't believe I am the age I am, as I don't look old enough. They said it, not me, or was it mere flattery? Have I really kicked the bucket?
All I am asking for and need is a decently paid job to support myself. Is there anyone out there who hears my plea? If so, I do so look forward to hearing from you.
Deirdre Mistarz, Putney, London
