About Me
My name is Anastasia Seales, although most people call me Stacy. I live in the Mauricewood area of Penicuik with my husband Andrew; my two children Thomas and Eleanor; and our cats Harper and Raya. I have been a stay-at-home parent to my children since 2012, watching and helping them to grow and develop into amazing individuals who are comfortable in expressing who they are, their likes and dislikes, their interests and preferences.
I have always had an interest in working with children, child development, psychology and the science of how we learn. Informed by my research and learning, and my parenting and childminding experiences, I have been drawn to child-led methodologies and positive parenting practices. Believing in the inherent goodness of children and recognising their desire to please, help and achieve.
Since moving to Penicuik I have formed and maintained links with Mauricewood Primary school. I have enjoyed volunteering within the nursery and the main school as a Parent Helper and Classroom Assistant, and was employed within the nursery as a Learning Support Assistant for children with Additional Support Needs (ASN). I am now a member of the PTA and head of the Parent Council.
Our Home and Local Area
Our family home is a detached house in a cul-de-sac close to Mauricewood Primary school. When we’re not out an about at playgroups or parks, the children will spend most of their time in the playroom where they have free access to toys, books, craft resources and - importantly - space. However, access is given through to the kitchen/dining room area for meals, snacks and some crafting or cooking sessions. This area also provides direct access out to the garden.
We have a large enclosed garden which includes a patio area with an outdoor dining space, a grass area with a large swing set, flower and vegetable growing areas and space for small bikes/scooters. We have lots of outdoor games and toys which are brought out when requested - these include a sand tray, a small slide, and a selection of lawn games. The children will always have the choice to play outside in the garden, whatever the weather.
We also have easy access to some fantastic local outdoor spaces, with Beeslack Woods just down the road, and ample green spaces within our neighbourhood - including the recently renovated Mauricewood woodland walk. There is a lovely accessible path through Beeslack Woods along the old railway, perfect for bikes, scooters or a pushchair or simply for a walk and exploring off the beaten track. The walk takes in plenty of amazing woodland, and for a time runs alongside a shallow stream which is a favourite with my children in the sunny weather. We have spent some lovely afternoons pond dipping, playing ‘pooh sticks’, throwing stones in the water and paddling in our wellies.
Finally, there are a number of local playgroups we may attend, as well as the fantastic local library, and a selection of parks and green spaces.
My Childcare Principles
I aim to promote the welfare and development of each child within my care in partnership with their parents/guardians. This helps me to provide a unified approach to their play, development, behaviour management and wellbeing. I will build a relationship with each child focused around open and honest communication, mutual affection and emotional warmth and security.
I have designed my service to provide an inclusive home-from-home setting where all children can learn and develop in a happy, caring and educational environment. Core to this is providing a space where children feel happy, safe and secure, in which their individual needs are recognised and met to the best of my abilities.
I take the time to get to know children through observing their play and interactions with each other, other adults, and through lots of time spent chatting and playing together. From this base I can ensure I involve and engage all the children within my care to promote their development, build their confidence and self-esteem and guide them towards independence.
I will do my utmost to keep children safe from harm at all times while providing them with experiences to promote development, growth and learning. I will nurture in the child the ability to keep themselves and others safe, equipping them with the knowledge needed to assess risk, to judge their abilities, and allow them to explore their environment within safe limits.
Where possible I will adapt the routines, activities and environment to allow all children to participate and reach their full potential. I will work with parents, as well as any relevant professionals and agencies, to meet each child’s specific needs and am happy to attend relevant training on specific areas when needed.