Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Otley

BA(Hons), PGCE, QTS.
Over 15 years of teaching experience including 4 years as Literacy Coordinator. Paediatric First Aid Qualified.

I am the owner and Director at Monkey Puzzle and my main task is ensuring my lovely staff have everything they need to provide amazing care and education for our children.

My background in education and teaching led me to opening Monkey Puzzle in 2017 to start this journey. Seeing the smiles on our children’s faces every day and watching them develop and thrive is truly a joy. I love the close trusting relationships we have with our parents and families and the local community, and I’m enormously proud of my team.

In my free time, I love spending time with my grandchildren, travelling and eating out with friends. I enjoy reading, walking my dog, swimming, running and all kinds of live music and theatre.

Level 3 National Diploma in Early Years
Over 16 years’ experience in Early Years childcare
SENCO training / Team Teach Level 1
Paediatric First Aid qualified

My Childcare Journey:
I started my Early Years Career in 2008 when I completed my college course, I went straight into a role in the placement nursery that I was at. I then moved to another nursery to train to be a room leader, I was at this nursery for about 10 years, 8 of which I spent as a deputy manager. I then moved to another setting to learn more about safeguarding and take on more of a role that involved working with vulnerable families and the local authority.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I started as a Room Leader before quickly progressing to Deputy Manager. I have been the Nursery Manager since September 2021. My role is to ensure that the nursery runs smoothly and effectively each day. I work closely alongside my management team to support and train our staff and to ensure that they deliver the best care and education to the children through providing outstanding experiences and opportunities.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
I love to see the joy in the children as they learn and grow, it is a very rewarding job. It is nice getting to know so many different children and families and having an impact on so many lives. Monkey Puzzle is such a happy and friendly environment, and we offer a warm welcome to everyone who comes here.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
I enjoy walking and exploring new places with my husband and family, we added a beautiful Border Collie to our family in December 2023, so like to take her out on our adventures. I also enjoy going on holiday and experiencing the wonderful places that the Uk has to offer, my favourite place to visit is Dorset.

BA(Hons) Childhood Studies.
Over 10 years of experience in Early Years.
Paediatric First Aid qualified.

My Childcare Journey:
This began in 2013 when I started my bachelors Degree in ‘Childhood Studies’, once I finished my Degree I began working at Monkey Puzzle.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I am a senior practitioner in the Preschool Room leading a small and brilliant team whose focus is helping our children become confident young people and preparing them educationally and emotionally for their transition to primary school.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
I enjoy the challenge of educating young minds and creating new fun opportunities for them to experience. It is rewarding to create new relationships and see them thrive over a period of time.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
In my free time I enjoy bouldering and travelling. I like to experience new things and explore new places. I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.

Level 3 Early Years Educator.
Over 9 years’ experience in Early Years
Paediatric First Aid qualified
SENCO Trained

My Childcare Journey:
This started in 2015 when I completed my qualifications at college.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
To support the Nursery Manager in daily running of the setting, and to lead the teams by supporting staff in all aspects of child development. I am also the nursery SENCO so I work alongside staff supporting children with additional needs and their families.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
I love working with children and it’s wonderful to be part of their learning and growth during their early years. Working with children has been an aim of mine since I was young and I’m glad I pursued childcare as a career.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my son and family, as well as seeing friends and going shopping.

My Qualifications and Experience:
Level 3 in Children’s Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)
Over 8 years’ experience in Early Years childcare
Paediatric First Aid qualified

My childcare journey:
I started my childcare journey in 2016 when I worked in a little pre-school in Burley-in-Wharfedale where I started an apprenticeship, I completed my qualification at Monkey Puzzle and have been here since.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I am the Senior Practitioner in the Baby Room, my role is to lead my team in providing warm, nurturing care for the babies in our room. It is also my goal to ensure that they provide the best learning rich activities and experiences for the children to enable them to have the best start to nursery life.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
I love working with children and find it very rewarding to observe our babies blossom into confident toddlers. No two days are the same, babies are adorable, and I find it a joy to watch their personalities grow. I really enjoy being part of an amazing team who are all passionate about early years and dedicated to proving the best.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my three children, eating out, going on walks, and visiting the wonderful shops and markets in Otley.

Level 3 NNEB in Nursery Nursing
20+ years’ experience in working with children
Paediatric First Aid qualified

My childcare journey:
This started with baby sitting and interacting with friends’ children, I realised that this was my passion and something I enjoyed so 3 years later I found myself doing an NNEB qualification which was considered the ‘Gold Standard’ of childcare training!

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I am the joint room leader of the baby room where I support my team with providing cohesive care and education for the babies in our care. I work alongside my collegues, children and their families, making sure that everyone feels happy, safe and secure in the environment. I help t promote fun and enticing activities for the babies to get involved with and learn through that play.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
I have always had a passion for working with children. I like to have fun, play and be involved with the children’s learning and development, observing as they grow and change. I have a great team around me too, who also strive to provide the best care and experiences for the children in our care.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
I love music records and like to go to vinyl shops. I like to read, cook, eat out, and visit new cities

Level 3 Early Years Educator
Paediatric First Aid qualified
Over 5 years’ experience in Early Years

My childcare journey:
This began in 2018 when I started my apprenticeship with Monkey Puzzle.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I have experience in all Early Years age groups and am currently based in the Baby Room. I work with the team to develop my skills as a practitioner and educator, and in doing so am helping the children to learn and thrive.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
Every day is guaranteed to be different and I enjoy watching each child grow and develop into their own little person, it is a joy and a very rewarding profession.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, listening to music, watching movies and doing photography.

BTEC Level 2 & 3 in Early Years
Over 17 years’ experience working with children
Norland Nanny Diploma
Paediatric First Aid qualified

My childcare journey:
This began in 2005 when I started my level 2 childcare at college, I then went to train as a Norland Nanny in London where I then worked for many years before returning to nurseries.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I am in the baby room where I tend to children’s individual routines and care needs, I plan activities and track my key children’s progress and development.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
Everyone is friendly, and we work well as a team. It is also really lovely to be a part of the children’s development and seeing them grow.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and my two sausage dogs Coco and Dexter. I also like cooking and baking, travelling and swimming.

Currently working towards level 3 in Early Years
Paediatric First Aid qualified

My childcare journey:
This began a few years at dance school where I taught lessons to the younger children, it was then I knew that childcare was the career that I wanted to pursue.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I am an apprentice currently in the baby room. I help look after the children by following routines and getting involved with their play. I like to do reading, singing, and take part in malleable activities such as sand or playdough.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
.I love my job because you make wonderful bonds with the children, and seeing them smile and grow is lovely to observe. It is so rewarding knowing that you are part of that child’s journey of helping them to develop.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
I enjoy going to the gym, I did beauty before going into childcare so I like to see my clients that I still do treatments for, I also still do my dance classes, and like to go for walks with my friends with the reward of a hot chocolate at the end.

Currently working towards level 3 in Early Years
Paediatric First Aid qualified

My childcare journey:
When I as younger I used to do babysitting, I always enjoyed looking after the children I cared for.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I am an apprentice in the baby room. I help the children to learn new skills by teaching them things such colours and shapes through activities and play. I observe the children and look after there every day needs and routines.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
The staff are all lovely and friendly and gave me a warm welcome when I joined. I enjoy seeing the children learn and grow, reaching their developmental milestones.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
I like spending time with my family and friends.

Level 3 Early Years Educator
5 years’ experience in Early Years
Paediatric First Aid qualified
Team Teach Level 1

My Childcare journey:
This started in 2019 when I joined Monkey Puzzle to start my level 2 apprenticeship, I started working across all of the age groups before moving into the toddler room.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I am the joint leader of the toddler room. I work closely alongside the management team to ensure that all staffs knowledge and understanding is up to date, and that routines run smoothly throughout the day. I support staff with setting up fun and purposeful activities to help the children learn and develop.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
I love working in childcare as every day is different with new challenges and experiences. It’s very rewarding seeing each child grow and develop over time. I enjoy working at Monkey Puzzle because the staff, parents and children are all so friendly and caring.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
I enjoy spending my free time with my family and friends, going to the gym and going for walks with my dog.

Level 3 Early Years Educator
Paediatric First Aid qualified

My childcare journey:
I originally joined Monkey Puzzle helping after school, I saw how rewarding working in childcare can be, this then encouraged me to start an apprenticeship.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I work in the toddler room, my role is to care for the children’s individual needs and routines each day, as well as providing a learning rich environment for them to learn and develop.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
No two days are the same and it is a pleasure to see each child grow and develop their own individual personalities. I find it very rewarding being part of their journey.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
I enjoy travelling and being able to experience different cultures, the food and music is something a particularly like. I especially enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends.

Level 3 in Early Years
3 years’ experience working with children 2 to 5 years

My childcare journey:
In 2021 I became a nursery assistant, I knew I had a real passion for working with children so I then went on to gain my level 3 qualification.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
Currently based in the Toddler Room, my role is to look after the children each day and ensure that they are happy, healthy and safe at nursery. I set up activities to help the children learn through play.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
I love spending my days teaching and discovering. Children are always asking questions, and they see the wonder in the world around them, I am privileged to share in this journey with them.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
I enjoy spending time with my family and our various animal companions, of which there are several! I enjoy going to music gigs and metal festivals with my husband, and in the fair-weather months, we spend our weekends motorbiking around the dales and taking day trips out to beautiful places.

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
Health and social care level 2
First aid qualified

My childcare journey:
I have grown up with lots of children around me. I’m the oldest child of 5 and I have helped my siblings since they were little as they have grown up, this is what inspired me to choose childcare.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I am in the toddler room; I did my apprenticeship in the babies so it was a great opportunity for me to develop my skills and knowledge further by moving into an older age group. I enjoy doing lots of activities with the toddlers, particularly singing and role playing to help them develop in their prime areas.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
Monkey puzzle is a great place to work. All the staff are so lovely to work with too! They have helped and supported me when I first joined and when I did my level 2 course. I have always loved being around children and helping them learn and grow and teach them new things. Working in childcare is a very rewarding job!

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
I love spending time with my family and partner, socialising, and shopping with friends. I love to go out and travel to new place and finding new restaurants to eat and drink at. I love going on walks especially with my dog. I also love focusing on my clothing brand in my spare time too and making new designs for our products. Recently I have taken an interest in reading and colouring too.

Currently working towards level 3 in Early Years
Paediatric First Aid qualified

My childcare journey:
I have always had an interest in childcare, after I finished school, I did something different but found it wasn’t for me. I have always been interested in the SEN side of nursery and look forward to learning more about that.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I am currently doing my apprenticeship in the toddler room, I am learning everyday about childcare and education. It is my role to help the children learn and grow in a fun and exciting way, as well as ensuring their safety and well-Being.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
I love monkey puzzle because the children here are amazing. I also value the positive relationships between parents and staff and see effect it has on the children’s learning and development.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
I enjoy drawing and painting as well as spending time with my family and friends.

Level 3 NNEB Diploma in Children and Education
Over 20 years’ experience working in schools, nurseries, and preschools.
Paediatric First Aid qualified

My childcare journey:
This started in 1999 when I studied health and Social Care at Harrogate college before gaining my NNEB in childcare. I have since then worked in various different settings gaining many years’ experience and
knowledge.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I am the joint room leader of the pre-school room. I work closely alongside management ensuring that the environment is a safe, fun and learning rich environment for our children to thrive and be happy in.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
I love my job because I enjoy watching the children learn through play and being part of helping shape their minds. It is a pleasure observing them grow and develop, and being that support that they need to feel safe and secure in their environment.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
I like spending time with my husband and watching my son play football. I also like socializing with friends and running when I get the chance, I recently started Yoga which helps me to unwind and relax

Level 3 in Early Years
3 Years’ experience working with children
Currently studying SENCO level 3
Paediatric First Aid qualified

My childcare journey:
This started in 2020 during COVID. I was working in IT and decided that I wanted a career change, so applied to do an early year’s apprenticeship. Having my own son inspired me and seeing him enjoy nursery highlighted that I had the skills and interest to pursue childcare as a career.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I currently work in the pre-school room. My role is to ensure that our environment is full of learning opportunities and new experiences to prepare the children for their next big transition to school. I am also the joint SENCO, I work with the children with SEN supporting them and their families to give them the best care and early help. I am an advocate for the children in our nursery and ensure that our setting celebrates diversity and inclusivity.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
I am in a privileged position to be able to support pre-school children to learn, grow and develop their own personalities, interests and abilities. Nurturing the development of children in preparation for their transition to school is a challenging and rewarding experience.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
I enjoy crafting, creating, and going on adventures with my son, and spending time with family and friends.

Teaching Assistant level 2 & HLTA Status
Paediatric first Aid qualified

My childcare journey:
I worked for 6 years in as Primary School as a teaching assistant, I then progressed in my career by gaining a higher-level teaching assistant status, once I had obtained this I was more involved with teaching curriculum subjects to a full class. I then decided that I wanted to go into nurseries to work with the younger children.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I am based in the pre-school room. My role is to plan intrinsic activities for the children and to nurture there development by providing the best care that I can.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
I love my job because helping children grow and learn is a privilege. Monkey Puzzle is a friendly, caring and nurturing environment for the children and its staff.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
I enjoy walking and socialising with my friends and family, but mostly I like to spend time at home with my boys, we have big family meals and movie nights in.

Paediatric First Aid qualified

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I am the Office Manager, and I am responsible for the day to day running of the office. My role is interesting and varied, I enjoy building relationships with Parents, from an initial enquiry through to their little one starting with us. I am committed to ensuring the Nursery is always striving to provide the best service and experience for our children.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
Monkey Puzzle is such a friendly and lovely place to work, it is a privilege to see the children thrive in our Nursery, and no two days are ever the same!

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
I enjoy spending time with my 2 children and family, going for walks and to the Gym, eating out and reading.

Level 3 food hygiene
Many years’ experiences in catering and food preparation.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I work in the nursery kitchen preparing fresh nutritious meals for the children and I ensure the menu is varied and tasty. I make sure the children are offered lots of fresh fruit and vegetables every day and I cater for all their dietary needs.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
The children are great fun – very entertaining. No single day is the same. I love it when they enjoy the food I’ve prepared.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
Spending time with my children, travelling and cooking.

Children’s Mental Health Level 2
8 years’ experience in Early Years childcare
Paediatric First Aid qualified

My childcare journey:
This started in 2016 when I became a nursery assistant, my mum was a child minder, so I grew up around early years. I found that I too really enjoyed working with children, so continued to work in the industry and build up my knowledge and experience.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
I split my time between all age groups. I get involved with their play and plan activities or themed days such as ‘people who help us’. Working with every age group also means I have the privilege of getting to know all of the children really well.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
Working with children is very rewarding. A child’s first years are incredibly important and the short time that they are small is precious, so I enjoy coming to work and ensuring that their day is filled with fun and laughter. I also like working with my collegues! I am feel comfortable to be myself at work and enjoy my day working at nursery.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
I love to travel and go to gigs. I am lucky enough to have travelled all around Europe and the USA attending concerts with my friends. I am also a guitar player. I am an Auntie to three nephews and baby niece who are I adore, so I like to spend every second of my free time with them.

Paediatric First Aid qualified
I have worked in social care for 17 years with many transferable skills that are proving invaluable for working at Monkey Puzzle. I also have 3 children and 4 grandchildren!

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
Helping in each room when needed, spending time with the children and keeping everything clean and tidy.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
Each day brings something different. It’s a real pleasure being with the children, playing and helping them grow.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
Spending quality time with my children and grandchildren, watching football and boxing, collecting reggae music on vinyl and CD, and going on walks.

Level 2 qualified Teaching Assistant.
Paediatric First Aid qualified

My childcare journey:
For several years I have worked various roles within a local Primary School. I am also a Mum to 5 grown up children and a grandma to 3. Working in a school has given me so much experience with children and valuable knowledge.

My role at Monkey Puzzle:
My day starts within the Baby Room helping to set up for lunch. I spend lots of time with the babies, I feed the youngest and give them bottles when needed, I also play with the babies and give plenty of cuddles and comfort when needed. I really enjoy helping in Pre-school, I love to interact with the children, playing games and drawing them pictures.

Why I love my Job at Monkey Puzzle:
I absolutely adore working with children, and it is the most rewarding job. Naturally I am very nurturing person, and I like to give my all to the children. I love making the children smile, laugh and feel safe and secure. I enjoy engaging with the older children and finding out all about them. The children are all amazing and it is truly a privilege to be part of their lives at Monkey puzzle.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
Spending time with my family and my crazy but fun home life with all my dogs!