Candidate 42 began babysitting at age 14 for local families in her rural Cornish village, gradually becoming the go-to sitter on weekends and evenings. With her mother working as a registered childminder, she gained early experience supporting the care of children aged six months to 11 years during weekends and school holidays.

In 2018–2019, she worked with an 11-year-old girl living with her grandparents, supporting her with homework and exam preparation. She then moved to Sydney in 2019 as a live-in au pair for a family with children aged six months, three and six. Her duties included school drop-offs and pick-ups, preparing meals and snacks, planning play and outings, bath and bedtime routines, and nappy changes. Her placement ended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

From January to June 2024, candidate 42 worked part-time as a nanny for two girls aged four and seven in Bristol. Her role included school runs, preparing lunches and snacks, supporting emotional regulation and behavioural changes, and planning activities and outings during school holidays. She has also supported her mother’s cleaning business during busy summer periods, gaining skills in home organisation, laundry, and deep cleaning.

In addition to her childcare experience, she has worked in the hospitality industry for ten years, including high-pressure restaurant environments. This has helped her develop strong communication, multitasking and problem-solving skills.