Joanna J
Childminder in Houghton Conquest (also available for babysitting)
Usually responds within 4 hours
Female Member since Apr 2010 Last Updated Jan 2025 Last Login 23 Jan 2025
My Summary
About Me
I live in a quiet village outside of Bedford, with my family. I have been childminding for over 25 years and love it. I feel very privileged to be caring for all the children that I childmind and feel they are part of my family.
I have three sons, the youngest is still at home, currently travelling Australia .He has been DBS cleared. The older boys have now left home.
I am lucky enough to life close to lots of outdoor amenities, we go to the Forest centre for walks and to feed the ducks. I have an annual pass for the National trust, so visit local stately homes and gardens. We go to lots of different parks, such as the Jubilee park at Shuttleworth and the park at Kempston. I currently am a member of Woburn safari park so we can access the zoo and all the childrens activities on offer. We use the local splash pools in the warmer weather and i am a yearly member of the Bird of prey centre in Wilstead . I offer lots of different activites and fun things to do. Craft , cooking, songtime and story time are just a few of the pastimes we enjoy.I also attend several playgroups to help the children to build their social skills.
My recent OFSTED inspection was graded OUTSTANDING.
Please read the full inspection report on the OFSTED website.
I follow the EYFS and I offer the same curriculum as a preschool or nursery. I am registered to receive funding for all qualifying age groups-I can access both universal and extended hours for your child/children, Allowing parents of qualifying children to enjoy up to 30 hours per week of funded care. Also I can also access childcare vouchers for parents who wish to do so and can be paid through the government scheme.
My Experience
I am a mum of three, which has given me the best training for caring for children. I have been childminding for over 25 years and during that time have gained so much experience from looking after and watching the children grow into young adults.
I have had children from as young as five months till they are teenagers, and it’s always very sad to see them move on, but i am filled with pride at how they have grown and matured.
My Qualifications
I have completed the NVQ level 3.
New born experience
Also i have full training in first aid and food hygeine level 2.
I have also completed courses on Local safegaurding children (Child protection ) and CAF, also training on additional needs including ADHD and Autism awareness, Makaton sign language.
In addition i like to update my training with any courses that i feel the children or myself can benefit from.
I am also an accredited childminder and community childminder, working with special needs children and NCMA.
My Availability
My working week is Monday to Thursday , Fridays term time only
I work from 730am till 5.30 pm hours outside of these are negotiable
I am available for short term or emergency care.
Please contact me to discuss any needs you require as i can be flexible on these times.
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Evening | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
Last Updated: 06/01/2025 |
My Fees
- Childminding from £5.50 per hour
- Babysitting from £10.50 per hour
I charge £5.50per hour, Meal are charged at £2 each, these are home cooked meals if needed, or if parents prefer they can provide meals.
I also can offer the full 30 hours Government funding, and am willing to share this with another setting if needed.
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Houghton Conquest Lower School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at The Firs Lower School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Russell Lower School
My Ofsted Inspections
The inspection grades below have been obtained from the Ofsted website based upon the registration number the childminder has provided to us. You should verify this information yourself prior to using the childminder.
My Documents
- Ofsted Certificate (added 16/01/2023)
Reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Joanna J. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk members and not of Childcare.co.uk. Parents must carry out their own checks and references on childcare providers to ensure that they are completely happy before enaging in the use of their services.
My daughter attended JoJo’s from when she was 1 until she was 4. We all looked forward to seeing Jo in the mornings, she is always welcoming, happy and nothing is too much trouble. She really is an extended member of the family.
Not only does Jo teach the children phonics, numbers and handwriting, she teaches them to become well mannered, polite, kind and caring.
My daughter loved being there, whether it was a fun day at the house, in the garden or going out and about. My daughter still talks about things she did at JoJo’s.
From the initial meeting, I knew Jo was the right choice, I honestly cannot recommend her enough and my daughter often goes in half term just because she misses being there and has so much fun. We love you Jo! :)
by ClaireW on 30/03/2024
Me and my husband have two boys 7 & 4 and have been with Jojo since they where six months old or less, we both work full time and have found it a struggle fitting the "perfect family" into play when working long hours.
As a family we could not rate JoJo enough for our children's physical and emotional development that has been brought on so very much by her nurturing nature, Jojo has encouraged social and many interactional development skills , and is not just some one who we have employed she has helpled us through many parenting fears such as weening and sleepless nights, she is also some one who I look up to, and I see as personal friend, not only has she embraced all family challenges but she's also given the best advice with a completely none judgmental attitude.
I feel not only have our children educational tuition but in my personal opinion they have received a home from home loving and caring environment in which they have both thrived developed and Jojos support and natural nature have become two very independent boys who we couldn't be more proud of.
by V J D C on 03/02/2020
Jo has child minded both of my boys from age 1 or so until they attended Reception. Not only is she reliable, kind, affectionate to the kids, but she is great teacher as well. She helps get the kids to take responsibility -- shoes off before coming in, take your plate from lunch to the sink, say please and thank you --
The time the children spend with her is varied. There are trips to toddler groups, Woburn Safari Park, play parks, the cinema (age appropriate), splash parks and so much more. And on top of all that she practices handwriting, stage 1 phonics and more when they hit pre-school age.
Children in her care are always well behaved and everyone at school gates refers to her as the Pied Piper...the children follow in line holding hands or on to the buggy as she walks them home where they all play together no matter the age difference. She loves what she does for a living and the parents and the children she childminds love her in return.
Both of my children have life threatening allergies, and I have always felt they were safe in her care. She is thorough and cautious, and there has never been an incident.
If you have the opportunity to get your child a place with her, I would grab it. Her excellent care, flexibility and experience are hard to find.
by ljseward on 03/02/2020
I cannot recommend JoJo highly enough. She has cared for both our children for the last 6 years, both from 8 months old. She is incredibly reliable, supportive and has a wonderful way with the children. She makes learning fun- I have two boxes of craft that has come home over the years from the days she has spent with the children. They are always out and about - Woburn Safari Park is known as JoJo's zoo to my children!! In the summer they go to splash parks and are out in the garden in all weathers! We often have baked goods sent home that she has made with the children. She makes amazing meals for the children- all home cooked and fresh ingredients. Jo is sensible, caring and an outstanding childminder. She has become a close friend over the years. She has helped us out in times of difficulty- when we had a family bereavement she looked after the children at short notice. She is also very flexible- as a Nurse I have sometimes had to stay late at work and JoJo has always understood this and worked flexibly to support me. We love JoJo and I cannot recommend her highly enough!!
by Kat on 03/02/2020
Jojo has been looking after Lexy since she was 7 months old. This may sound like a cliche but my husband and I felt she was the perfect childminder for lexy the moment we met her. I always tell my friends I am so lucky to have come across her. I have such peace of mind knowing that my daughter is left in safe hands. My daughter looks forward to going to Jojo's and sometimes get disappointed when I tell her Jojo can't have her on weekends or she is on holidays.
Jojo is passionate about what she does and it shows, she engages well with the kids and they get to do a lot of activities which help with their development. Lexy is always excited to show or tell me what she does everytime she comes home.
In my view Jojo is an OUTSTANDING childminder by a mile!!!!
by Priscill on 02/02/2020
Jo looked after my son for a number of years before and after school and during the holidays. He was always made to feel welcome in her home and he had so much fun! Jo always made sure there was plenty for him to do whether it be indoor activities, outdoor activities or trips out and about. My son always came home happy and would enjoy telling me what he had been doing and what Jo had planned for the next day. She is highly organised!
I always found Jo to be a very caring person, extremely reliable and she clearly enjoys her job. I would not hesitate in recommending her to anyone looking for childcare.
by Jane on 02/02/2020
My son was with JoJo for 10 years. Jo is such a warm, welcoming and caring person, I can still remember the day we visited and I knew straight away she was the right person for the job!
My child is such a wonderful, well rounded boy and I have Jo to thank for that. She always insured he met his growth and educational targets and made it fun to do so. Always giving up dates and lengthy reports (which back then in 2007 was done my hand - no technology then).
With working full time, Jo became an extension of our family, not just a childminder.
I highly recommend her!!!
by Kimberle on 31/01/2020
Jo has been looking after my little boy since he was 10 months old so for the last 3 years. She has had him on a full time basis while I am at work and I would recommend her care to everyone!
Having used nursery’s previously, I am a convert to the wonders of a great childminder. Jo is so caring and clearly loves to look after and be around little people! Every day she does something different with the children from painting, making things, baking cakes, playing at the park, going on country walks, visiting the zoo or having fun at a toddler group. My little boy has grown in confidence and she has helped me to bring up a lovely, polite caring little boy!
In the time she has had him, she has never had a day off sick and has never let us down with her care. Her home is warm, welcoming, clean but most of all fun to be in. Jo plays with all the children and is always sending me updates via photos to show me his day has been action packed.
If you are thinking of using a childminder, she really is the best.
Thank you Jo Jo for being there for us xxxx
by Lucy on 30/01/2020
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