Anonymous

About

My name is Esther Luna Santome, and I am passionate about supporting children and families to help them build happier, healthier lives. Over the years, I have worked in a range of roles that have shaped my values, strengthened my communication skills, and developed my natural ability to care for others. These experiences have inspired me to pursue formal education in Health and Social Care, with the goal of working in environments where I can positively impact the lives of children and their families.

One of the most meaningful roles I’ve had was working with Bilingual Crawley, where I led after-school Spanish singing and learning sessions for primary school children. In this setting, I was responsible for the wellbeing of up to 15 children. I created a safe and joyful environment where they could learn and express themselves through music. This experience taught me the importance of patience, creativity, and emotional intelligence when working with young children. It also deepened my interest in early childhood development and family support services.

In my previous care worker roles with Olive Home Care and Support Ltd and Bespoke Home Care Ltd, I provided compassionate, person-centered care to vulnerable individuals. Though the majority of my clients were elderly, I learned many transferable skills that are crucial when supporting children—such as safeguarding, personal care, emotional support, and communication tailored to individual needs. I also developed a high level of responsibility and trustworthiness, which are vital when working closely with families.

Throughout my career in customer service and hospitality—including several years as a supervisor and assistant manager—I gained strong organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills. These roles required me to remain calm under pressure, manage time effectively, and communicate clearly in fast-paced environments. I also trained new staff, handled customer concerns, and organized events—experiences that have prepared me well to work in dynamic care settings involving children and parents.

I believe my cultural background and bilingual abilities (Spanish and English) are a great asset for connecting with diverse families and children. I understand the importance of inclusive, respectful care, and I am committed to supporting children from all backgrounds to feel heard, safe, and valued. My current roles in school and restaurant cleaning have strengthened my understanding of hygiene, safeguarding, and attention to detail—essential for working in child care environments.

I am now excited to build on this practical experience by studying Health and Social Care at university, with a focus on child development, mental health, and family support. I am a dedicated learner with a caring heart, a strong work ethic, and a clear goal: to work in a school, nursery, or community setting where I can make a real difference in the lives of children.