Joanne Hall

About Me

I am a highly experienced Childminder who has consistently achieved an "Outstanding" rating from Ofsted for four consecutive inspections, dating back to 2008. Presently, I hold the role of a 'Covid-19 recovery mentor' for the Department for Education.

Collaborating closely with my husband, a registered assistant with Ofsted, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional childcare and educational services within a nurturing family-centric environment.

"The childminder and her assistant display exceptional responsiveness, prioritizing the unique needs of each child and consistently providing them with reassurance." (Ofsted in 2022).

At Little Explorers, we boast an extensive array of both indoor and outdoor toys and equipment, thoughtfully catering to diverse needs. The ability for children to transition from the house to the garden creates a free-flowing space that empowers children to choose their preferred play environment. Safety is paramount, and our garden is equipped with safety surfacing to facilitate outdoor play throughout the year.

Our approach centres around the 'Early Years Foundation Stage' Framework, tailoring activities to suit each child. This personalized approach ensures that individual needs are met, and progress is meticulously tracked against 'early years outcomes.' We chart the child's 'Next steps,' integrating them into 'Individual Educational Plans,' a collaborative effort with parents. Our teaching aligns with a 'child-led' learning philosophy, valuing each child's interests and autonomy. Our ethos also aligns with Montessori principles, empowering children with choices and fostering adult-facilitated learning. We embrace open-ended resources and encourage play with loose parts.

"Communication and language skills hold significant importance for both the childminder and her assistant. Their meaningful interactions with the children exemplify their commitment to fostering growth." (Ofsted noted in 2022).

My qualifications include an NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Development, coupled with comprehensive training in the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of which integrate into my daily planning and management. I prioritize continuous professional development, regularly engaging in training across various domains. With a current pediatric first aid certification and experience in special needs care, I am also in the process of attaining a BA (Honours) in Early Childhood (currently in the 5th year of a 6-year program).

"The childminder's dedication to enhancing her teaching through extensive training is evident. Her adept support for her assistant, along with precise feedback, underscores her commitment to skill development. She vigilantly tracks the progress of all children, ensuring rapid advancement." (Ofsted report).

"Children (under her care) exhibit exceptional progress relative to their starting points. They are thoroughly prepared for their forthcoming learning stages, including the transition to school." (Ofsted report).

In our setting, children engage in enjoyable learning through play. "Laughter fills the air as children enthusiastically use musical instruments during songs. They acquire a grasp of risk assessment as they construct their own garden obstacle courses using crates and planks." (Ofsted, 2022)

Please don't hesitate to reach out for more information or to discuss your specific requirements.