Joanne Cole - Prestwich Childminding

Hello, my name is Jo Cole (Prestwich Childminding) I am an OFSTED registered Childminder based in Prestwich. Graded an overall "Good" on last inspection (May 2019), with "Outstanding" for Personal Development, behaviour and welfare, I offer a high level of care and EYFS deliverance for babies and children from 0 - 5.

I opened Prestwich Childminding in 2014 when my first son was born, spotting a gap in the market for a high quality childcare provision that offers an experience beyond four walls. We regularly enjoy days out to places if interest such as MOSI, Bolton Museum and Aquarium, the Police Museum, Manchester Museum and Eureka. We nave visited parks all over the North West including Haigh Hall, Clifton Park, Queens Park, Wythenshawe Park, Crosby beach, Southport and St Anne's. We pride ourselves in making long term memories.

I am well qualified with a CACHE Level 3 qualification in home based Childcare. I have also undertaken a wide range of complimentary courses such as Safeguarding, Working Outdoors, Food Allergies, Maths Mastery, Den Making, SEND, Autism to name a few. I have experience of working with Children for whom English isn't their first language having taught for three years in a private school near Hiroshima, Japan. I have an Honours Degree in English and Sociology from Staffordshire University.

We are brilliantly located with easy access into Manchester and Bury and close to both Heaton Park and Prestwich Metrolink stations. We are based in a detached property with a large garden and a wide variety of resources. Heaton Park is on our doorstep and having small numbers getting out and about is easy for us. We regularly blend with other Childminders and their children so children have lots of opportunities to socialise and make friends.

We have a small Shih tzu so this setting would not be suitable for those with allergies to dogs. We have found that having a dog in the setting has been fantastic for children who were initially nervous around dogs.

We are particularly focused on the outdoors - we love digging, planting, splashing and mixing in all weathers and regularly visit the local country parks to enhance the children's learning experience. We regularly attend some fantastic local playgroups so children build a high level of confidence with other children.