Samantha Hobbs Career Nanny
References
Mrs Tunks 2025
From: Jus Murray
Sent: Wednesday, 30 July 2025 4:18 PM
To: Mrs Tunks
Subject: Reference Sam Hobbs
Dear Narelle,
As you know, we're seeking to find a new role for Sam. I'm hoping everything is going well for you, and Sam is truly going to be sad to leave.
I'm wondering if you would be able to supply a reference for Sam as she is currently looking for work.
Thanks so much for considering this.
REFERENCE REQUEST
1. What position did this candidate hold and what dates were they employed?
Sam is a sole charge nanny. She has been with us for just under 6 months. She is only finishing up as it is a temporary position.
2. How many children did the candidate care for & the ages/gender?
Sam cared for our 2 children who were 10 months and 2 years old when the contract started.
2 year old is a boy, 10 month old a girl.
3. What were the candidates' major responsibilities and duties?
Sole charge of our 2 kids - we are both working so Sam has taken over all responsibilities and care for the kids. This includes organising their schedules, implementing routines, driving them to activities, meal planning and cooking, and doing their laundry.
4. Did the candidate perform any household chores such as ironing, cleaning, washing, running errands, grocery shopping etc?
Sam does it all! Light cleaning, washing, runs errands, does the grocery shopping for the household and anything else that is required. Nothing is ever too much trouble!
5. How would you comment on their punctuality, reliability and trustworthiness?
Sam is always on time or early, always reliable and extremely trustworthy. She is extremely dedicated and always professional.
6. What are the candidates' major strengths?
Organisational skills, honest and open communication, awareness of safety and dedication to ensuring all of the needs of the kids are met.
7. Are there any areas you feel the candidate needs to improve in?
We cannot fault Sam, she is amazing!
8. How well did the candidate interact with your family and friends?
The kids both loved Sam from the day that she arrived. She settled in easily with our family and fitted straight in.
9. Did the candidate organise and facilitate play dates and activities for the children?
Yes! Sam has organised a weekly schedule for the kids that includes nursery time at the library, visiting the toy library and toddler gymnastics.
10. Did she follow your family routine regarding feeding, sleep, mealtime etc and/ or was she in charge of setting the routines?
Yes, Sam started with our routine and this has evolved as more age appropriate routines as the kids grow to the next stage.
11. Did the candidate travel with you?
No travel was required during this contract.
12. Reason for terminating employment?
Not terminated, just a temporary contract coming to an end as we will no longer need a nanny.
Contract was initially only until July 19th, however we were lucky to have Sam extend for an extra 6 weeks.
13. Would you engage the candidate again in the future?
Yes, without a doubt!
14. Is there any other important information or comments you would like to add in today’s reference check?
We have loved our time with Sam and will miss her greatly. Any family would be lucky to have Sam care for their children.
15. Lastly, would you highly recommend her to other families and employers?
Yes, could not recommend highly enough. Sam is amazing!
Mrs Fagan 2023
24 June 2023
To whom it may concern
REFERENCE FOR SAMANTHA HOBBS
Earlier this year we were required to travel to London and Singapore for three weeks. As it was a business trip, my husband and I were required to work continuously whilst away, flying in and out of different countries in Europe and Southeast Asia and using London and Singapore as our bases.
We have two young children aged two and four who had never been babysat prior to this trip other than by their grandparents. We were anxious not only about travelling long haul with our children but also leaving them in the sole care of a nanny whilst we were required
to work.
From the interview onwards, we clicked with Samantha. She was very clear with the services she provided and how she proposed to care for the children. We were taken by her natural confidence.
Prior to travel, together Samantha and I planned activities and devised meal plans for the children. I deferred to Samantha and trusted her advice for tips on travelling with children – which games to bring for the flight, which clothes to pack for the cold / hot weather, our jet
lag strategy etc.
During travel, she met our standards of high attentiveness and warm care when looking after our children and quickly moved into an easy working relationship/ friendship with us. She seamlessly fell into line with our hopes and expectations and we felt comfortable addressing things that were and weren’t working – Sam’s ease at communicating was one of
our favourite attributes.
Our children warmed up to Samantha very quickly and grew in confidence from the new surroundings coupled with Samantha’s new games and lessons. Samantha’s energy and zest for travel was contagious.
Despite being sleep deprived and exhausted from the jet lag, nothing was too much for Samantha. She assisted us with grocery shopping, cooked our meals, performed light housekeeping duties and kept us completely organised (a wonderful travel personal assistant). She went over and beyond to take the children to playgrounds and museums and her level of competence put our mind at ease.
When the trip was over, we felt bereft that our time with Samantha had come to an end.
She was truly the equivalent of an Aussie Mary Poppins.
We will hire Samantha again in an instant. She is a warm, caring personality and an asset to any family that values energetic and hands on care.
Yours faithfully
Brionny Fagan
Chief Executive
Dr Ring 2018
August 18, 2018
Reference For Samantha Hobbs
To Whom It May Concern
I am writing to recommend Sam Hobbs as a nanny.
Sam looked after our 3 children, Hugo, Grace and Max for three years from Jan 2013 to May 2016
We were very happy with her performance.
Sam was extremely conscientious and very reliable. I cannot recall any time over that period where Sam did not come to work for any reason. She was always available for additional work and was flexible and very accommodating.
When Sam started Max was 3 , Grace 5 and Hugo 10. She was able to engage with them all and had an appropriate parental style role with them.
Sams duties included organising the children in the mornings for school, planning and preparing lunches, packing school bags, supervising homework and ensuring an orderly after school routine. Sam drove the children to school and picked them up in a car we provided.
Sam was always happy to commence evening meal preparation
Sam also performed light housekeeping duties including shopping.
She had a genuine interest and concern for the children.
She is very reliable and trustworthy.
I am pleased to recommend her to you.
In case of any queries regarding her qualifications and abilities, please feel free to contact me by email
Sincerely,
Dr John Ring
Mrs Skinner - 2017
Sam was employed by my husband and I, as the Nanny to our children, for just over 1 year ending August 2017 when our child care needs changed. We employed Sam in Dubai and Sam lived in our house for the role. Sam was new to Dubai, she came to Dubai for the nanny role. Sam exceeded our expectations in her confidence and ability to quickly settle into a new Country, find her way around, adapt to the driving and lifestyle. It is very difficult to summarise all that Sam did for us and the children as her role was very diverse, not a 9-5 job! My husband and I both travel abroad frequently with work which meant that Sam became, at times, sole carer for the children. Sam is diligent and responsible and we were very reassured and confident to leave her in sole care of the children. Sam's main role was to ensure the children were ready for school, she took them and picked them up and oversaw all post school activities including sports and other activities, homework and she organised their dinners and sat with them during their mealtimes. Sam was employed by us for many reasons. We did not want someone to simply care for the children’s physical well-being but to be responsible for teaching them manners, stimulate them when it came to relationships, homework, knowledge and other learning but also to help them to grow up into well mannered, inquisitive, intelligent children. Sam managed a very careful line in being the children’s friend and confident whilst maintaining their respect to enable her to ensure they met standards when it came to behaviour, eating well etc. Sam proved to be 100% reliable, honest and her integrity was never in question. She handled household finances and oversaw the maid. I can provide a telephone reference is required
regards, Caroline Skinner
Mr and Mrs Brent - 2014
26/11/14
To Whom it may concern:
Sam Hobbs worked as a Nanny for us for approx 31/2 years . We employed Sam as my wife and I ran a very busy business and travelled extensively and needed someone we could trust . Sam was a great addition to our family. She was always dependable and extremely hardworking and very flexible with our working and family Commitments . We found her very respectful, calm and courteous . During this period our son was diagnosed with special needs , she independently learned what she needed to do and also took him to His appointments and did the therapies in our absence , this was very reassuring for us in our time of need. Sam was also fantastic with Joshua , kept him very engaged , including him all types of sports and activities and day trips which helped In his independence and development . Joshua loved having her look after him and felt very secure with her , this was also important to us. Sam was a great asset to our family and would be to any family. We would highly recommend Sam for any position with Children If you would like to call us to discuss please feel free.
Yours sincerely Steve and Mary Brett
Name Withheld 1997
Reference from the General manager of a Melbourne based Agency Samantha registered with my agency in approx. 1997 and we worked together until I retired. She was placed in a number of long term jobs in Melbourne and Singapore and also accepted casual assignments from time to time. Feedback from families was always positive. I am aware that she is currently looking to commit to work abroad and I am happy to recommend her to families. · Sam is hardworking, honest and flexible · She is prepared to maintain the household when required · She develops nurturing and warm relationships with children · She is fit, active and energetic. · She is independent and has travelled extensively
Candidate Profiling Report
Summary
An experienced childcare professional with 30 years across Australia and overseas, specialising in sole-charge roles for children of all ages. Skilled in proxy parenting, travel nannying, and managing multiple children under five. Seeking a full-time position with flexibility and a family who values structured routines and open communication.
Key Strengths
- Calm, positive and adaptable personality, even in high-demand situations.
- Strong capability in routine management, sleep training, feeding, and hygiene.
- Confident sole-charge of up to 5 children, including multiple under-fives.
- Excellent cook, able to plan, source, and prepare fresh meals.
- Safe and experienced driver, familiar with car seats and transporting up to 4 children.
- Naturally tidy, maintains a clean and hygienic household environment.
Behavioural Style
- Child-centred: Builds trust through honesty, presence, and secure relationships.
- Engaged: Prioritises educational and structured play, music, reading, and outdoor activities.
- Nurturing: Uses cuddles, eye-level interaction, and responsive care to support emotional security.
- Professional: Works closely with parents to align with their preferred routines and expectations.
Motivators
- Enjoys witnessing children’s growth and milestones.
- Draws energy from the joy and enthusiasm children bring to everyday life.
- Finds satisfaction in creating safe, structured, and happy environments.
Compliance & Practical Details
- Current WWCC, First Aid, CPR, and Police Check.
- Full driver’s licence with safe driving record.
- Open to live-in arrangements.
Ideal Role Fit
- Full-time nanny role, ideally with three or more young children.
- Family requiring structure, trust, and strong communication.
- Parents seeking a nanny who can manage routines independently while integrating seamlessly into the household.
Candidate Competency Map
Leadership & Household Management
- 30 years’ experience in sole-charge roles with children of all ages and backgrounds.
- Experienced in proxy parenting and household management when parents are away.
- Skilled in balancing multiple responsibilities, including care for up to five children simultaneously.
Adaptability & Cultural Fit
- International childcare experience, bringing cultural awareness and flexibility to different family environments.
- Comfortable working to established routines while also introducing new approaches (e.g., feeding, sleep training, food introduction).
- Open to live-in roles, demonstrating flexibility to adapt to family lifestyle needs.
Safety & Risk Awareness
- Current Working With Children Check, First Aid, CPR, and Police Check.
- Strong focus on child safety: experienced with fitted car seats, rear-facing seats, and transporting up to four children in one vehicle.
- Safe and responsible driver with full licence and proven clean driving record.
Emotional Intelligence & Child Development
- Builds trust with families through openness, honesty, and consistent communication.
- Provides emotional security for children through nurturing behaviours — cuddles, play at their level, and reassurance.
- Draws joy from witnessing children’s growth and milestones, highlighting a genuine passion for the role.
Organisation & Planning
- Naturally tidy, ensuring hygiene and cleanliness in childcare and household settings.
- Experienced in menu planning, sourcing recipes, and preparing nutritious meals from scratch.
- Strong multi-tasking skills, balancing routines, educational play, and household duties effectively.
Educational & Play Philosophy
- Advocates structured, routine-based play combined with creativity and fun.
- Incorporates educational activities, music, reading, and outdoor play into daily routines.
- Ensures developmental milestones are supported through thoughtful play and engagement.
Work Preferences
- Seeking a long-term, full-time position with flexible scheduling.
- Suited to families who value trust, structure, and proactive support.
Interview Questions
How much experience do you have working with children?
Q: How much experience do you have working with children?
30 years’ experience both here and overseas with children across all age groups and nationalities. All of those roles have been sole charge. I also have experience with proxy parenting and travelling with families.
What is the maximum number of children you’ve cared for at once?
What is the maximum number of children you’ve cared for at once?
I have cared for up to
- 5 children at one time.
- Most of my experience is with 3 children under the age of 5,
- full time sole charge.
What do you enjoy most about working with children?
What do you enjoy most about working with children?
- Watching them grow and reach their milestones.
- Just being with them in general, their energy and joy in everything they do.
How would you describe your personality when working with children?
How would you describe your personality when working with children?
- I am a positive and generally calm and relaxed person.
- I don't encounter too many stressful situations as working with children you are multi-tasking and always kept alert and on your toes.
Are you comfortable following and implementing routines?
Are you comfortable following and implementing routines?
- I'm very comfortable in following routines set by the parents in regards to feeding routines, naps and sleep training.
- I'm also comfortable with introducing new foods when babies are ready for solids as well as making up formulas and sterilising bottles.
*
Do you handle household chores as part of your role?
Do you handle household chores as part of your role?
- As someone who is a neat and tidy person by nature, and realising the importance of hygiene with children and in particular babies, light household chores are just an extension of my role as a nanny.
Can you prepare meals for children?
Can you prepare meals for children?
- Meal preparation is something I'm happy to work closely with the parents. I'm a very capable cook.
- I make meals from scratch using fresh ingredients.
- I'm familiar with writing up menu plans and sourcing new recipes.
Do you drive and are you comfortable with school runs?
Do you drive and are you comfortable with school runs?
- I have a full drivers licence and safe driving record.
- I am comfortable driving the family car for school drop and pick up as well as any extracurricular activities.
How experienced are you with driving children?
How experienced are you with driving children?
- I have driven up to 4 children at a time in the one car with two of those in fitted car seats.
- I am also comfortable with putting babies into rear facing seats.
Are your compliance checks current?
Are your compliance checks current?
- Yes , my Working With Children Check is current.
- First Aid and yearly CPR are up to date.
- I have a National Police Check within the last 12 months.
- Nany insurance will be obtained on offer of a role
How do you approach children’s play and activities?
How do you approach children’s play and activities?
- I am routine and structured based regarding children's play. Educational activities make up my daily plan as well.
- Outside play whether at the home or a playground is also a vital part of my day.
- Lots of music and reading and soft toys play for babies is vital also.
- Walking with babies outside is also another of my favourite activities.
How do you help children feel secure?
Q: How do you help children feel secure?
- Helping the child feel secure is all about giving them lots of cuddles, getting down on their level.
- Just being with them and playing with them, doing their favourite activities.
How do you build trust with families?
Q: How do you build trust with families?
- Building trust is all about being open and honest.
- Showing the parents their children are safe and happy and being well looked after.
Are you open to live-in roles?
Q: Are you open to live-in roles?
- Yes, I am open to living in and I have lived in with several families previously.
What type of role are you seeking now?
What type of role are you seeking now?
- I am after a full-time role and happy to work a flexible work schedule.
