I am a qualified early years professional (qualifications available on request) with 30 years experience of working with young children. I am committed to meeting the individual needs of children in my care. I will work with parents to get to know children and build trusting relationships with children so that they feel safe and secure and able to explore and develop in their own unique way. I am very inspired by early brain development research and the positive impact of good emotional wellbeing on development and this informs my approach.
I follow a system of In The Moment Planning (developed by Anna Ephgrave). This style of planning allows me to follow children's interests in a spontaneous way. This enables young children to become deeply involved in their play and offers endless opportunities for learning. I will document this learning which will be shared with parents and inform any statutory assessments I am required to complete. I offer a wide range of resources, experiences and outings (examples in the galleries and daily activity updates on social media, see links). Children have space to explore outside in my garden, this includes gardening, a mud kitchen and nature area.
Please be aware we have a dog and a bee hive. Please ask to see risk assessments relating to this.
I provide a range of healthy snacks and meals for the children. I have a keen interest in healthy eating and nutrition and cook every day. Please discuss with me any dietary needs your child may have.
I live with my partner and our son who is 17 years old.
Comments from parents:
"I was very nervous to leave my son with anyone but Jo is absolutely brilliant! She tailors activities around his interests and likes and always have different things to do each time he’s there with lots of outdoor playing! I would highly recommend Jo to anyone." Gayle
"Jo's feedback to me is really good, with a lot of detail. You can really tell that she observes and interacts with my daughter excellently. The range of activities provided by Jo, which Jo makes herself is outstanding." Amanda
"My son was the happiest he's ever been at a setting while attending Jo's we were so sad to leave (because of a house move) and he still talks about Jo's house and the rest of her family. I was so happy with the care and love Jo provided, my son was so comfortable and learnt so much" Kirsty
"My son absolutely loves the resources Jo has and the different stuff she sets up- so much so my son is more entertained than at home. Love it, definitely my number 1 choice." Lauren
"We are totally satisfied that this was the best childcare setting for our daughter and her personality. She walks to Jo's house saying "JoJoJo" and never cries when dropping off." Carrie-Anne
"As parents we couldn't be more happy with the care Jo gives our daughter. Our daughter is always very excited to go to Jo's and we never have any tears at drop off, we also feel that at pick up she would be happy to stay! This shows us that our daughter feels very happy and secure with Jo - all the reassurance we need!" Alice and Matt
"Jo does so much with the children and you can truly see what she puts into them. My daughter going to Jo's has been a fantastic part in her development and has really made her feel happy and comfortable with moving on to school. She attended from when she was 7 months old until she left aged 4 years to start school." Amanda
