We are a family with two children - a boy aged 13 and a girl aged 10, who live in the Withington area of South Manchester. Our son has settled in well at high school which was a big transition for him. He has Down's syndrome but attends a mainstream high school and takes part in mainstream extra-curricular afterschool activities. Our daughter attends one of the local primary schools which is about a ten-minute walk away. Both my husband and I work full time, so we need help covering the school pick up and after school activities.

We are looking for a temporary nanny/family PA to support our us and our children with their busy lives whilst our permanent Nanny is on Maternity Leave. Start date is April until the summer holidays. We then need someone from September until January.

We need someone who is organised, active, fun and flexible to be there for them when we cannot. We have employed nannies for the past 7 years and the role has changed over that time as the children have become older. These days much less about washing, dressing and bathing, more about helping them with homework, helping them learn to become more independent and having fun.

We're happy to discuss hours, but we need after school cover during term time, which has roughly been around 30 hours per week to date and possibly before school, but have more flexibility there. Term time duties include school drop offs and pick-ups, taking to and collecting from clubs/sports lessons, supervising playdates, helping with homework, organising kit for the following day, the kids’ laundry including ironing, and cooking them an evening meal. Depending on hours needed we will also consider paying extra for cleaning and ironing each week, and “babysitting”. A full driving licence, access to and use of a car is essential.

Whilst our son has Down's syndrome and needs occasional help with some aspects of self-care, he is independent and capable; he is willing to try anything, he dislikes being treated differently to other children. He needs a bit of help to develop and nurture friendships. He is learning the guitar and loves to sing and dance. Our daughter is very arty and creative, she loves making and painting.

Both are outdoorsy kids, during school holidays and weekends they love going on adventures either on foot or bike - as long as a picnic is involved they're pretty happy, or just hanging out in the garden; building dens and having water fights. They love sports, both play tennis, swim and attend a local gymnastics club. Our son also plays rugby and our daughter netball and rounders. Brownies and Scouts are great favourites too.